Chapter 15: Staying Sharp; Reaching the Break
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.
Midseason doesn’t mean slowing down—it means staying sharp. This week took us to Columbus, Georgia for a six-game road stretch. From pre-trip prep to managing new injuries and weather delays, I stayed focused on keeping our guys healthy and game-ready. Now, with the All-Star break ahead, I’m grateful for a few days to rest, reset, and recharge before we dive into the second half.
Monday, July 7 – Prepping and Processing
Started the morning with two player evaluations at our MD’s office. Once the imaging and assessments were done, I uploaded the records to the EMR and updated the directors. Then, I headed to the stadium to restock the travel trunks and organize the training room for our upcoming trip to Columbus. Quick dinner, then home.
Tuesday, July 8 – Arrival in Columbus
Early start—bus left at 8:00 a.m. and we pulled into Columbus around 1:00 p.m. After unloading and setup, I got to catch up with a pitcher I worked with years ago when I was a GA ATC. Then came the usual grind: rehab, treatments, fatigue monitoring, on-field work, bullpens, and game prep. After the game: updates to directors, recovery work, hotel check-in, notes, and a late call home.
Wednesday, July 9 – Tightness, Evaluation, and a Full Day
Picked up the rental car early, then got to the field for rehab and setup. Midday, one of our players reported some tightness. I evaluated him after the game, updated the directors, and set a care plan in motion. That came on top of all the regular duties: treatments, fatigue checks, game prep, post-game care—and another night ending with a check-in from the hotel.
Thursday, July 10 – Adjusting the Plan
I spoke with our MD first thing about the player with tightness, who called in medication to a local pharmacy. I updated the directors with the revised plan. Then it was another full day: rehab, treatment, bullpens, game prep, updates, recovery, and coordination. Ended the day like always—with notes and a call home.
Friday, July 11 – Delays and Double Shifts
A weather delay pushed first pitch to 8:00 p.m., but that didn’t change our workload. Rehab, treatments, on-field work, game care, and recovery still had to happen. After a long day and a late finish, I cleaned up, checked in with the manager, and finally headed to the hotel.
Saturday, July 12 – Same Routine, Different Day
Another early start with the same detailed routine: rehab, morning manager check-in, treatment blocks, fatigue monitoring, and bullpens. No major surprises today—just staying locked in and getting through another long day of care and coordination.
Sunday, July 13 – Final Game Before the Break
I arrived early to set up and get rehab completed before game prep. During the game, one of our players required an on-field evaluation but was cleared to continue. I updated the directors and handled post-game care. After the game, we packed everything and hit the road. On the bus ride home, I knocked out notes and caught a bit of the MLB Draft. We made it back to Pensacola by 8:00 p.m.
With the All-Star break on deck, it’s time for a short reset. The first half was full of challenges, lessons, and long nights. I’m proud of the work our staff has put in—and I’m looking forward to coming back refreshed and ready to attack the second half of the season. See you Thursday for the team workout.