Chapter 19: On the Road in Montgomery
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.
Another road trip, another week packed with unpredictable weather, late nights, and the same steady routine that anchors every day. From doubleheaders and rain delays to fireworks and player care, consistency remains key—even when the days start to blur.
Monday, August 4th
I went to the field today and got everything restocked, packed up, and ready for the road trip.
Tuesday, August 5th
I arrived at the stadium around 8:00 a.m. and we departed for Montgomery at 9:00 a.m. After arriving around 1:00 p.m., I got the training room set up and launched into the normal routine: treatments, maintenance programs, activation, and pitcher fatigue monitoring. We got through on-field work and bullpens before weather rolled in. The game was postponed, so I helped coordinate post-game meals at the hotel. Finished the night with a call home—ready to play two tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 6th
Picked up the rental car early for our staff, then arrived at the stadium at 11:00 a.m. for the usual setup. Once the game started, I sent updates to the directors. After two full games (make-up doubleheader), it was arm care, recovery work, notes, check-ins, and back to the hotel. Closed out the night with a call home.
Thursday, August 7th
Same routine today—setup, check-ins, treatments, on-field work, and bullpens. Sent player updates once the game started, handled post-game arm care and recovery, then got notes done and headed back to the hotel. Finished the day like always: call home.
Friday, August 8th
Arrived at 11:00 a.m. and rolled right into the day. Treatments, prep, game, post-game work, and communication with the directors stayed consistent. Another productive day in the books.
Saturday, August 9th
Followed the usual schedule, including on-field prep and post-game arm care. After the game, watched fireworks for a moment before returning to finish recovery work and notes. Then, back to the hotel—and a quick call home.
Sunday, August 10th
Dropped off the rental car, then got to the stadium around 10:30 a.m. to begin setup. Knocked out our regular game day routine, then handled post-game care and packed everything up. We left Montgomery around 7:30 p.m., and I finished notes on the bus. Back in Pensacola by 10:15 p.m. Looking forward to hosting Birmingham this week.
Week 19 brought another test of consistency—this time on the road in Montgomery. From a rainout and a doubleheader to long days of player care and nightly recovery routines, the week was a reminder that the rhythm of the season doesn’t slow down. Through it all, staying focused, adaptable, and steady remains essential. With the team back in Pensacola, it’s time to reset, recharge, and prepare to welcome Birmingham to town.