Chapter 18: August Arrives — Consistency in the Chaos
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 the calendar flipped to August, our homestand offered a brief window of routine—days filled with rehab work, bullpens, mid-game evaluations, and moments with family. While the pace never slows in pro baseball, this week was a reminder of the importance of presence—whether that’s in the training room, on the field, or at home after the final out.
Monday, July 28th
I met two of our players at the doctor’s office this morning for evaluations. Once the evaluations were complete, I updated the directors with the findings and the plan of care going forward. Then, I headed to the stadium to get caught up on computer work and unload and set up the training room for the week.
Tuesday, July 29th
I got to the stadium around 10:00 a.m. and set up the training room for the day. Our rehab guys came in early to get their work done before the rest of the team arrived. From there, it was back to the usual routine—check-ins with the manager and coaches, treatments, activations, and pitcher fatigue monitoring. After bullpens and on-field work, I stopped by the visiting ATC room for a quick chat, then returned to prep for the game. During the game, one of the visiting players needed to see our MD, so I coordinated that. After the game, I sent my updates to the directors, spent a few postgame minutes with my wife and son, and then knocked out arm care and notes before heading home for a late dinner and bedtime with my son.
Wednesday, July 30th
Another 10:00 a.m. start. I prepped the training room, got our rehab guys through their programs, and moved through the daily checklist—treatments, maintenance, and monitoring. After bullpens and pregame prep, I sent player updates to the directors and, postgame, spent a few more minutes with my family on the field. Then, inside for recovery work, manager check-ins, and closing duties before heading home.
Thursday, July 31st
With a later report time, I arrived at noon and got the training room and dugout ready. Same flow as the previous days: early rehab work, manager check-ins, treatments, and on-field work. After wrapping up the game and sending updates, I spent more time with my wife and son on the field. Then, it was back inside for arm care, notes, and my nightly routine at home.
Friday, August 1st
It’s hard to believe it’s already August. I was at the stadium by 10:00 a.m. and set up for the day. Rehab first, followed by our usual routine of activation work, treatments, and monitoring. After the game, I got some family time on the field, then finished arm care and notes before heading home for another late night with my crew.
Saturday, August 2nd
Similar flow to the rest of the week. Rehab work early, then check-ins, treatments, and bullpens. After the game, I spent a few minutes on the field with my family again and stuck around for the postgame fireworks. I headed inside for postgame care, notes, and then finally made it home for bedtime and supper with my wife.
Sunday, August 3rd
I arrived at the stadium around 10:15 a.m. and prepped for the final game of the homestand. We had a rain delay, but the game eventually got underway. Once we wrapped up, the day ended on a difficult note—some players were released postgame. That’s always a hard part of the job. These are guys you spend months with and build relationships with, but roster changes are part of the business. After treatment and notes, I packed up and headed home. We hit the road for Montgomery next week.
Final note: No matter how hectic or unpredictable the days may get, I remind myself to be the same person every day—the one constant the players can count on.