Chapter 20: A Week at Home, A Week of Hustle
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.
Monday, August 11th
Back at the home facility, I spent the day unpacking the training room and getting everything ready for the new homestand. Birmingham’s coming to town, so it was all about preparation and organization.
Tuesday, August 12th
Arrived around 11:30 am to begin our daily routine: prepping the training room, checking in with coaches, activation and treatment protocols, and fatigue monitoring. After on-field work and bullpens, I connected with the visiting ATC. During the game, one of our players was removed and evaluated by our team MD. I updated directors and began coordinating an in-clinic appointment for the following day. Post-game included recovery work, notes, and a few moments with my family on the field—then home to put my son to bed and enjoy dinner with my wife.
Wednesday, August 13th
Kicked things off with a call from our MD regarding the previous night’s evaluation. I updated directors and got to work: same routine of activation, treatments, and pitcher monitoring. After on-field prep and game coverage, I had another chance to spend time with family postgame before wrapping up notes and recovery work.
Thursday, August 14th
Rehab work started early today, followed by the typical flow of prep and treatments. Postgame, a player reported tightness—I evaluated him immediately and notified the directors. Another night with family on the field followed by recovery work and winding down at home.
Friday, August 15th
Reevaluated the player from the night before and updated our leadership. During the day, another player came forward with discomfort, prompting me to initiate plans for imaging and evaluation. One more player exited mid-game with tightness, and I conducted a thorough eval before sending updates and formulating a care plan. Another busy day, but rewarding to close it out with the usual home routine.
Saturday, August 16th
Two rehabs, one reevaluation, and two MD consults before game time. Once the evaluations were complete, I relayed updates to the directors and carried out our standard game day care. Postgame included a few family moments and my nightly wrap-up.
Sunday, August 17th
Final game of the homestand before we hit the road again. Got everything ready early, including rehab and recovery prep. Once the game ended, I transitioned into postgame care and started packing the training room for our next series in Columbus, GA.
Final Thoughts
This week was a reminder that managing a season is as much about keeping routines strong as it is about adapting quickly. Between rehabs, evaluations, and coordinating with our medical team, I strive to bring consistency and care every single day. As we head into Columbus, I’ll keep living by one simple motto: Treat people the way you want to be treated.