Chapter 2: No Such Thing as a Day Off
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.
When people hear “off day,” they probably picture rest, relaxation, and a full mental reset. In baseball, that’s rarely the case—especially when you’re in charge of keeping a roster of professional athletes healthy and game-ready. This week brought everything from on-field injuries and player evaluations to podcast interviews and fireworks. Here’s how it all played out behind the scenes.
Monday, April 7 – “Off” Day
Technically, this was a day off. In reality? It was a chance to catch up. I spent some much-needed time with my family and then got caught up on computer work and admin tasks that had piled up over the first week. Even managed to enjoy a nice dinner at Nick’s Boathouse here in Pensacola. Great food. Great view. Still, in baseball, there are no true days off.
Tuesday, April 8 – Reset & Reconnect
I got to the park around 9:45 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. performance staff meeting—an important way for us all to stay aligned on player care. After getting the training room and dugout set up, I connected with the manager and coaching staff to go over player updates and the daily schedule. As players arrived, we moved into activation and treatments, while pitchers from Sunday went through fatigue monitoring before their on-field work. Once the visiting team arrived, I met with their ATC and reviewed the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). After the game, it was post-throw arm care, treatment, notes, and the nightly check-in with our directors.
Wednesday, April 9 – Midweek Injury Management
Same setup today—arrived at 10:30 a.m., prepped the training room and dugout, talked with staff, and worked through player routines. Fatigue monitoring focused on pitchers from Tuesday, and by the time BP wrapped up, I shifted gears to get the starters ready. During the game, a player sustained an injury and required on-field evaluation. He remained in the game briefly but was later removed. I kept our directors updated in real time, then facilitated postgame evaluation with the player and followed up again with our directors on the results and next steps.
Thursday, April 10 – Podcast & Prep
Today started with a little something different—an 11:30 a.m. Zoom call with Sam Radbil from PBATS for the Inside Athletic Training podcast (appreciate the invite, Sam!). Afterward, it was back to the usual setup, staff check-ins, and player treatments. Fatigue monitoring was done for pitchers from earlier in the week, and by game time, everyone was locked in and ready. Postgame, same routine: arm care, notes, clean up, and updates to the directors.
Friday, April 11 – Player Recheck & Routine
I arrived at 10:30 a.m. and set up the training room and dugout. After my daily check-ins with the staff and player prep, we had our team doctor re-evaluate the player who suffered a hand laceration last week. Once complete, I passed the update along to our directors and reminded the doctor to dictate a note for the EMR. The rest of the day ran smoothly—activation work, fatigue checks, BP, game prep, and the usual postgame routine.
Saturday, April 12 – Fireworks & Fundamentals
Another 10:30 a.m. start. Training room prepped, dugout stocked, schedule aligned. After player activation and treatments, I ran fatigue monitoring for Friday’s pitchers and then supported game prep. The highlight? Postgame fireworks. Always fun to end the night on a bright note—literally.
Sunday, April 13 – Injury, Evaluation & Road Prep
Sunday games always bring a different energy, and today was no exception. I got in at 7:45 a.m., and after setup and player check-ins, we worked through fatigue monitoring and pregame treatments. During the game, a visiting team player was removed. I offered support to their ATC, letting them know our team doctor was on-site. Later, one of our own players sustained an in-game injury. I evaluated him on-field and removed him from play, then coordinated with our doctor for a full postgame evaluation.
Once it was determined he needed imaging, I began working with the doctor’s office staff to get him scheduled for Monday—a reminder of how critical those behind-the-scenes relationships are. After the final out, it was treatments, reporting, notes… and time to get ready for our first road trip of the year.
Looking Ahead
Week two is in the books, and the season is already rolling. The days may blend together, but the responsibility never changes—being ready, being present, and being a step ahead. As we hit the road for our first away series, I’ll be bringing this perspective with me—and sharing what it’s like to manage player health and performance away from home.
Until next time—see you in the training room.