Chapter 3: On the Road Again
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.
The season waits for no one—and neither does the bus. This past week marked our first road trip of the year, and while it may seem like a change of scenery, the responsibilities never stop. From early mornings and Spanish class to managing injuries, post-game recovery, and even hotel logistics, being a Double-A athletic trainer means being ready for anything, anytime, anywhere.
Monday, April 14 – Off Day (Kind Of)
Even on a scheduled off day, the job doesn’t slow down. I accompanied a player who was injured during Sunday’s game to his doctor’s appointment for further evaluation and imaging. After uploading all the notes and reports to our EMR system, I turned to road prep—checking travel trunks, packing up modalities, and staging everything for the bus. I also helped coordinate a prescription refill for one of our coaches. Off day? Not really.
Tuesday, April 15 – Hitting the Road
I got to the stadium around 6:15 a.m. to help load the bus. We pulled out around 8:15 a.m. and arrived in Columbus, GA by mid-afternoon. After unloading players’ bags and equipment, I quickly got the training room set up. We ran through player treatments and activation work ahead of the 7:05 p.m. game. A player took a hit-by-pitch and needed an on-field evaluation—once we got him in the dugout, I notified our directors and monitored him postgame. After our usual treatment and note-taking routine, I worked with our bus drivers on departure times and handed out hotel room keys. I ended the night, as I always do on the road, with a phone call to my wife.
Wednesday, April 16 – Midweek Routines
We had a gym bus at 10:00 a.m. and another at 10:45 a.m., getting players to their strength and conditioning work. I arrived at the field around 10:15, followed by Spanish class at 11:00 a.m.—learning the language has been crucial to better connect with our Latin players. The rest of the day was packed with the usual: treatments, fatigue monitoring, pre-game prep, and post-game recovery. I checked in with the manager postgame and confirmed bus times with our driver.
Thursday, April 17 – Player Discomfort & Recovery Plan
With a later report time, I used the morning for Spanish class and catching up on work. We took a 3:30 p.m. staff bus to the field, where I set up the training room and began treatments. One of our players reported some discomfort during the game. I evaluated him postgame and notified the directors, outlining a care plan moving forward. After the usual recovery work, we packed up and headed back to the hotel.
Friday, April 18 – Re-Evaluation & Fireworks
After Spanish class and a quick lunch, we headed to the stadium. I reevaluated the player who reported discomfort Thursday, updated our directors, and began working on scheduling an appointment with our team MD. Treatments, fatigue monitoring, and pre-game routines followed, and after the game, we handled recovery work and notes. I managed to catch some post-game fireworks before heading back—always a great way to end a long day.
Saturday, April 19 – Playing Through It
The day started early with two gym buses, followed by our daily check-in with the coaching staff. One of our starters reported feeling under the weather. After evaluating him and discussing with our directors and manager, he was cleared to play. During the game, I stayed on top of communication with staff before stepping inside to work on post-throw exercises with our starting pitcher. After the game, we ran recovery, did notes back at the hotel, and I finished the night—as always—with a call home.
Sunday, April 20 – Getaway Day Hustle
Game days are busy. Getaway days are even busier. I arrived at 9:00 a.m. to get the training room and equipment ready for both game and travel. After the usual pregame work, fatigue monitoring, and team updates, we played the final game of the road trip. Postgame meant one last round of recovery, a flurry of packing, and food-to-go for the long bus ride home. En route, a player reported new soreness. I notified our directors immediately and started scheduling a visit with our MD for the next day—because in this job, you’re always on. We rolled back into Pensacola around 8:30 p.m., unloaded everything, and I finally headed home.
Looking Ahead
Road trips bring a different kind of chaos—more moving parts, less predictability, and even fewer true “off” moments. But they also bring connection: with players, coaches, medical staff, and even your own systems. This job is equal parts preparation and adaptability, and week by week, I’m reminded how important it is to stay sharp, stay ready, and always keep the players front and center.
Next up: back at home and back to the grind. Until then—see you in the training room.