Chapter 17: Extra Innings in Knoxville
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.
After a quick turnaround from the All-Star break, we hit the road again—this time for a weeklong series in Knoxville. From long bus rides and extra-inning marathons to a string of mid-game injuries, the second half of the season is already in full swing. Here’s a look at the week that was, both on the field and behind the scenes in the training room.
Monday, July 21st
The week began with a stop at our MD’s office to pick up evaluation notes and get everything uploaded into the EMR system. After that, I headed to the ballpark for final prep before our road trip. We left for Knoxville at noon, and I spent the bus ride catching up on computer work. After a dinner stop, we arrived around 11 p.m. and I settled into the hotel and finished the night with a call home.
Tuesday, July 22nd
First full day in Knoxville started with picking up the rental car for our coaching staff, then heading to the field to get the training room unpacked and set up. Rehab guys came in early for their work, and once the full team arrived, I jumped into the usual pregame routine—check-ins, treatments, maintenance, and fatigue monitoring. During BP, one of our players reported tightness. I notified the directors, completed the evaluation, and shared the plan of care. After the game—a 13-inning marathon—I completed post-game recovery, sent updates to the directors, and wrapped up with notes and a manager check-in before heading back to the hotel.
Wednesday, July 23rd
Arrived at the field around 10:15 a.m. and got started with rehab, check-ins, and treatment routines. On-field work and bullpens followed, then pregame treatments. After the game, I did post-throw arm care, recovery work, and sent my usual end-of-day updates. Finished the night back at the hotel.
Thursday, July 24th
Two players reported discomfort this morning, so I contacted the directors and worked with the home team ATC to set up MD evaluations. Rehab and routine treatments followed as usual. Before the game, both players were evaluated by the home MD, and I shared the findings and care plans with our directors. Mid-game, another player was removed with discomfort and was also evaluated. After the game, I completed the necessary care, submitted updates, and headed back to the hotel.
Friday, July 25th
Got the training room ready and took care of early rehab. After pregame routines and on-field work, two players were removed from the game—one after being hit by a ball, the other due to discomfort. I conducted evaluations on both and coordinated with the directors on their statuses and care plans. Once the game ended, it was recovery work, notes, and another late night back at the hotel.
Saturday, July 26th
Back at it again with the usual rehab and game-day routines. Sent out updates early and handled all treatments and recovery needs pre- and post-game. The day went smoothly, and I wrapped things up with notes and a late check-in at the hotel.
Sunday, July 27th
Returned the rental car early and arrived at the stadium around 8:30 a.m. After setting up and running through the daily routine, I transitioned into pregame work. During the game, one player was removed due to heat illness. I treated and monitored him closely, shared updates with the directors, and finished up post-game arm care. After packing up the training room, we hit the road at 6:00 p.m. and got back to Pensacola around 3:00 a.m. Montgomery comes to town this week, so the grind continues.
See you all again next week!