Chapter 22: 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.
Back in Pensacola, our homestand against Chattanooga brought both routine and reflection. From coordinating player care with our team physician to helping visiting staff, to handling doubleheaders and illness, it was a week that reminded me of one important lesson: consistency matters. For the players, for the staff, and for your own integrity—how you carry yourself should never change based on who’s watching.
Monday, August 25
I met one of our players at the doctor’s office for an in-clinic evaluation. After updating the directors with the findings and care plan, I returned to the stadium to get the notes logged in the EMR and to unpack and prep the training room for the week.
Tuesday, August 26
I arrived around 10:00 a.m. and got the training room and dugout ready. After treatments, activation, and fatigue monitoring, I headed outside for on-field work and pitcher bullpens. I caught up with the visiting ATC before heading back inside for pregame prep. Once the game began, I sent updates to the directors. After the game, I handled postgame recovery and spent a few moments on the field with my family.
Wednesday, August 27
Doubleheader day. I got to the stadium early to get everything ready. The visiting ATC requested a doctor evaluation, so I coordinated that. Then, back to the usual routine: check-ins, treatments, and bullpen coverage. After Game 1, it was arm care and a quick bite before Game 2. After both games, I updated the directors, took care of recovery work, and again appreciated a few minutes with my family on the field.
Thursday, August 28
One of our players reported feeling sick this morning, so I notified the directors and arranged for an MD visit. I arrived at the stadium by 12:30 p.m. and got back into the groove: training room prep, treatments, activation work, and bullpens. After the game, I provided updates, spent time with my family on the field, and completed all postgame recovery duties.
Friday, August 29
Back to the stadium at 10:00 a.m. for another full day. I ran the usual setup and activation work. Today, our Director of Athletic Training and Rehab, Corey Tremble, visited. It was great to connect and have him around the team. Postgame followed the usual flow: updates, arm care, notes, and family time on the field.
Saturday, August 30
Another steady, consistent day. Arrived early, handled player care, bullpens, and gameday readiness. Sent updates during the game and capped the evening with postgame recovery, notes, and time with my family.
Sunday, August 31
Final day of the homestand. I prepped the training room, took care of treatments and bullpens, and watched over the game. Afterward, I transitioned into recovery mode and began packing for our next road trip. This week left me reflecting on a key mindset: don’t change who you are based on who’s in the building. Your effort and character should remain the same every day—because the players notice, and consistency builds trust.