Chapter 11: The Importance of Understanding Your Players
By Adam Sparks, Pensacola Blue Wahoos Athletic Trainer (Miami Marlins AA Affiliate)
Tales of the Tape: My Journey as a Double-A Athletic Trainer is a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to support a professional baseball team through a grueling Double-A season—told through the eyes of Adam Sparks, the athletic trainer for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. While players chase their big-league dreams, Adam is working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep them healthy, prepared, and on the field. From early mornings in the training room to late-night treatments after walk-off wins (or tough losses), this series pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day life of a minor league athletic trainer—the routines, the challenges, the unexpected moments, and the heart that goes into a job most fans never see. We hope you enjoy following the journey. Now, let’s get started.
Road weeks test everything—your stamina, your systems, your focus—but above all, your relationships. This week in Madison reminded me of how important it is to not only care for your players physically, but to understand them personally. Knowing how they move, how they feel, and how they respond to stress makes all the difference in how we manage the daily grind of professional baseball.
Monday, June 9 – Travel Mode
I arrived around 11:30 a.m. to double-check our gear for the road. We hit the road for Madison at 1:30 p.m. and rolled in around 7:30. After getting checked in, the staff and I headed to the field to unload and get the training room set up. I was back at the hotel by 9:30 and ended the day the same way I always do on the road: with a call home.
Tuesday, June 10 – Back Into Rhythm
Started the morning with a 9:00 a.m. Spanish class before heading to the gym and then the field. From there, it was a typical day—rehab work, pregame prep, bullpen supervision, and game coverage. Sent player updates during the game and managed arm care afterward. Wrapped up with notes, the injury report, and of course, that nightly call to my wife.
Wednesday, June 11 – Midweek Momentum
Picked up a rental car for the coaching staff, got in my Spanish class, and followed our standard routine of treatment, prep, and care. Everything moved smoothly. I’m always trying to keep things predictable for the players—even on the road. Closed the night the same way: updates, reports, and family time on the phone.
Thursday, June 12 – Keeping the Energy
Another 9:30 a.m. Spanish class, then back at the field prepping for another game. Checked in on pitchers from Wednesday, managed treatments, and handled another full day. Sent updates, evaluated player progress, and got our team ready for game time. The repetition may sound routine, but in this job, routine builds trust.
Friday, June 13 – Game Day Adjustments
Started the same, but during the game, one of our players reported tightness. I immediately notified our directors and evaluated him postgame. Days like this are why staying sharp matters—you have to be ready to pivot. After treatment and arm care, I updated our care plan, sent reports, and wrapped up with my nightly call.
Saturday, June 14 – Team Effort
After reevaluating the player from Friday, I worked with the home team ATC to bring in their MD. It was a great example of collaborative care. Our team MD got involved virtually, and the player was fully assessed before first pitch. These in-game adjustments are smoother when you’ve built solid relationships around the league.
Sunday, June 15 – Finish Strong
We packed up, got in early, and locked into our routine. Another game, another on-field evaluation midgame, and another full slate of arm care and follow-up. After packing up and hitting the road, I used the bus ride to finish up notes and reflect on the week.
Final Thoughts
This week brought one thing into focus: know your players. Their body language, their habits, even the little things they say or don’t say—that’s how you catch issues early, and that’s how you build trust that lasts longer than the season. We’re back home this week with the Montgomery Biscuits coming into town. See you in the training room.