Chapter 14: Stay Ready, Rain or Shine
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.
As we enter July, the season’s rhythm settles into something familiar—prep, care, recovery, repeat. But baseball always finds a way to surprise you. Whether it’s a sudden rain delay, a late-night injury, or unexpected fireworks (literally), the key to surviving and thriving in this job is simple: stay ready for anything.
Monday, June 30 – Reset Day
After a long road trip, I spent the day unloading gear and cleaning the training room. It was good to reset the space and reset mentally. I also got to have lunch with my dad—time I don’t take for granted. Rounded out the day with a truck wash and catching up on paperwork.
Tuesday, July 1 – Storm Delays and Small-World Moments
Biloxi’s in town, and I kicked off July with the usual prep routine. Rehab work, treatment blocks, and fatigue monitoring filled the morning. Got to catch up with the visiting ATC and even saw two former Orioles players—baseball really is a small world. Just as we got rolling with the game, the skies opened up. Postponed in the bottom of the 1st. That meant post-game care, updates, and heading home to get ready for a long doubleheader tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 2 – Doubleheaders and Double Duty
One of our guys had a follow-up with our MD this morning. After getting the updated plan of care, I got to the field and jumped into the usual pregame routine. During the first game, an umpire went down and required on-field care. I evaluated him, coordinated with MLB’s health rep, and made sure he got the support he needed. Later, one of our players came out of the game and needed evaluation too. Two games, two evaluations, and two injury updates—plus the normal player care and recovery work. Long day, but a rewarding one.
Thursday, July 3 – Final Home Game Before the Road
Picked up a few supplies and got to the field by noon. Rehab work, pregame treatments, and check-ins kept the day moving. One of our players reported discomfort, so I got him evaluated and scheduled for a clinic visit. After the game—and a solid round of fireworks—I got everything packed up for our weekend road trip to Biloxi.
Friday, July 4 – Fireworks on and off the Field
Happy Independence Day! We hit the road for Biloxi at noon and jumped straight into setup and prep once we arrived. The game went off without a hitch, and fireworks followed—a pretty great way to end the day. Finished up arm care and recovery work, then made the usual late-night call home.
Saturday, July 5 – Delays and Double Duties
Another rain delay pushed game time back by about an hour, which gave me a little window to knock out notes early. Rehab, pregame prep, and treatment work all went smoothly, despite the weather. Once the game finally got going, it was back to game updates, post-game care, and more notes before wrapping up the day with a call home.
Sunday, July 6 – Wrap It Up and Roll Home
Got to the field early for rehab work and our standard routine. After the game, one player reported discomfort. I evaluated him immediately, notified our directors, and scheduled a visit with our MD for the next morning. After postgame care and packing, we hit the road back to Pensacola and got in around 11:00 p.m.
As we prepare for another week—this time in Columbus, Georgia—I’m reminded again of the unpredictability of the job. No two days are the same, and the weather’s never guaranteed. But the players rely on us to be ready, steady, and professional every time. That’s what I aim to bring, rain or shine.