Chapter 13: The Time It Takes
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.
In this line of work, nothing moves faster than time—until you’re waiting on healing, progress, or a dry baseball field. This week was a reminder that no matter how much we plan, adjust, or push forward, things take the time they take. Whether it’s injuries, travel delays, or rainouts, we stay patient, focused, and committed to the players.
Monday, June 23 – Hitting the Road
Started early with a doctor’s visit and imaging for one of our guys. After uploading everything to the EMR and updating the directors, I headed to the stadium to help load up. We pulled out at 12:30 p.m. and rolled into Chattanooga about six and a half hours later. After dropping bags and handing out room keys, we hit the stadium to unload gear. Got back to the hotel late and wrapped up the night the way I always do on the road—with a call home.
Tuesday, June 24 – Adjusting on the Fly
Started the day picking up a rental car for the coaching staff and then got the stadium prepped. A player in the starting lineup reported discomfort, and after evaluation, we pulled him. I coordinated with the home ATC to get him seen and scanned the next day. The rest of the day followed the usual cadence—prep, care, in-game updates, and recovery work postgame. Another late night, another phone call home.
Wednesday, June 25 – Staying Flexible
Took the player in for his evaluation and imaging this morning. After getting the MD’s feedback and updating the directors, I made it to the field a bit later than usual. Luckily, everything had been prepped the night before. Jumped right into daily routines—fatigue monitoring, bullpens, and game prep. Once the game ended, it was business as usual: post-throw care, notes, clean up, and a call home to end the day.
Thursday, June 26 – A Valuable Visit
Got an early start to work with our rehab group. Assistant Director Connor Galloway arrived in town, which made for a great chance to talk shop and soak up some mentorship. His perspective always helps me sharpen my process. We moved through a solid day—fieldwork, player care, game support—and I ended the night reflecting on the value of having leaders like him in the room.
Friday, June 27 – Rain Check
Prepped the room and worked with the rehab group as usual. Just before game time, rain rolled in and we got postponed. Instead of gametime, I got a quality dinner and deeper conversation with Connor—an unexpected bonus to a weather delay. Always grateful for people who make the time to invest in your growth.
Saturday, June 28 – Groundhog Day
Another game day, another rainout. We moved through pregame prep and bullpens, only to be hit with more rain and another postponement. Doubleheader tomorrow. Knocked out end-of-day routines, returned the rental car, and made my nightly call home. Days like these teach patience in a whole new way.
Sunday, June 29 – Double the Games, Double the Effort
Started early with an 8:00 a.m. bus. Rehab work, full gameday prep, then game one. In between games, we squeezed in some early packing. Game two went into extras—because of course it did. Postgame care, loading gear, and a six-hour ride back to Pensacola rounded out a long day. Rolled in after midnight.
This week, more than most, reminded me of something simple but powerful: It takes the time it takes. Healing, progress, and success can’t be rushed. Whether it’s a player’s recovery or our own development, the clock isn’t always ours to control. What we can do is keep showing up, stay consistent, and be ready—rain or shine.