Chapter 12: The Midseason Grind
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.
They say the baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint—and this week reminded me why. There’s a rhythm to the season now. Routines are sharper. The workload feels heavier some days, but familiarity with players, patterns, and priorities is what keeps us moving forward. We’ve reached the midpoint, and the goal remains the same: stay prepared, stay present, and stay connected.
Monday, June 16 – Reset and Refocus
Came in to unpack gear and reset the training room for the week. Knocked out some paperwork and took the rest of the day to be with my family—a much-needed breather before another full slate.
Tuesday, June 17 – Two Evaluations, One Family Moment
After an early update from our MD on a player’s evaluation and care plan, I got to the stadium to prep for a 6:05 p.m. game. Throughout the day it was the usual treatment, bullpen supervision, and fatigue monitoring—until the game. One player reported tightness, and another required an on-field evaluation. After handling both situations and updating directors, I spent a few cherished moments on the field with my family before returning inside for recovery care, notes, and reports.
Wednesday, June 18 – Steady Midweek Flow
The day followed a similar pattern as Tuesday—training room setup, player care, and in-game updates. There were no major surprises, which in our world is always a quiet win. Again, a few postgame moments on the field with my family helped close the day on a high note.
Thursday, June 19 – Unpredictability Returns
The day started smooth but shifted fast. After handling one on-field injury during the game, I coordinated with our MD for an evaluation and imaging. Being ready for that kind of pivot is just part of the job. I updated the directors and started working behind the scenes to keep the process moving fast.
Friday, June 20 – Curveballs All Day
An eventful one. Our MD followed up with evaluation results from Thursday night, and I passed the plan along to the directors. Later in the day, a starter reported tightness during BP and was removed from the lineup. Then during the game, another player required an on-field evaluation and was sent for late-night imaging. The good part? I still got a few minutes postgame with my family before shifting into recovery and reporting mode. These days are long, but those short field moments matter.
Saturday, June 21 – Back to the Routine
Thankfully, Saturday brought a more typical rhythm. Rehab, prep, care, and game time flow all went according to plan. Player evaluations and updates were steady, and the energy remained focused. These quieter days are essential for keeping everyone—staff included—mentally locked in.
Sunday, June 22 – Halftime
Arrived early for our 4:05 p.m. start and moved through our now-refined Sunday schedule. After the game, it was time to pack up for our next road trip. Hard to believe we’ve reached the midpoint of the season. Every week feels like a story of its own—but the mission never changes: care for the players and control the controllables. Chattanooga, here we come.