Chapter 4: Home Work
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.
After our first road trip of the season, you’d think things would slow down back home—but in baseball, the pace never truly lets up. From early-morning imaging appointments and evening game recoveries to managing soreness, injuries, and even language skills, this week was all about returning to rhythm, reinforcing routines, and preparing for the next two-week road swing. Here’s how it unfolded behind the scenes.
Monday, April 21 – Starting the Week with an Injury Evaluation
No easing into the week. I met one of our injured players at 9:00 a.m. for an evaluation and imaging with our team doctor. Once the appointment wrapped up, I relayed the findings and plan of care to our directors and coaching staff. After uploading all reports into our EMR system, I headed to the stadium to unpack gear from our road trip and reset the training room for the upcoming homestand.
Tuesday, April 22 – Scheduling on the Fly
I arrived around 10:15 a.m. and got the training room and dugout prepped. During our morning check-in, one player reported some lingering soreness from the week prior. I immediately notified our directors and got him scheduled for imaging the next morning—a reminder of just how critical it is to have strong relationships with your medical team and office staff to make those quick turnarounds happen. As more players arrived, I focused on maintenance and activation, conducted fatigue monitoring for Sunday’s pitchers, and met with the visiting ATC to go over the Emergency Action Plan. After treatments and prep, it was game time—and once the final out was recorded, we went into postgame mode: treatments, notes, and updates before heading home.
Wednesday, April 23 – Support Staff Matter
I met our player at 6:30 a.m. for imaging and got to observe the process firsthand—great experience, and a great opportunity to meet and thank the imaging team. After uploading results and touching base with directors, I headed to the stadium around 10:15 a.m. for our usual pregame routine. Today, our Assistant Director of Athletic Training & Rehab flew in to spend the rest of the week with us. It’s always a great opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and grow professionally. Once treatments and fatigue monitoring were done, it was back into game mode, then wrapping the night with our standard recovery and reporting process.
Thursday, April 24 – Getting Better, Every Day
A later report time meant a noon arrival and a little more time to regroup. Once at the field, it was the standard progression: treatment room setup, dugout prep, manager check-in, and a full slate of maintenance, fatigue monitoring, and pregame work. After the game, post-throw routines and recovery took over, followed by documentation and the final manager check-in. Home around 10:45 p.m.—par for the course.
Friday, April 25 – Another Day, Same Discipline
Arrived at 10:30 a.m. and right back into the rhythm. Training room. Dugout. Coaching staff check-in. Then player care, fatigue monitoring, pitcher side work, and getting everyone game-ready. Postgame, it’s always the same: recovery, updates, and clean-up. These routines are repetitive for a reason—consistency builds trust and performance.
Saturday, April 26 – Injury & Coordination
Same morning start, but mid-game, we had a player who needed on-field assessment and was ultimately removed from the game. I notified the directors immediately and began a full evaluation. A medical fellow covering the game also conducted an assessment, and we coordinated plans to get the player scheduled for further imaging with our MD. The rest of the day wrapped up with our usual postgame recovery and reporting—another reminder of how quickly things can change and how important clear, timely communication is.
Sunday, April 27 – Planning Ahead
I arrived early to send paperwork to our doctor’s office for Monday’s player appointment. Then it was right back into our standard gameday prep—treatment room, dugout, activation, side work, and pregame readiness. After the game, post-throw care and treatments gave way to something new: prepping for our upcoming two-week road trip. The cycle continues, just in a new city.
Looking Ahead
This week was all about rhythm and readiness—returning from the road, managing injuries, staying locked into routines, and always planning two steps ahead. As we prepare for an extended trip away from home, the key remains the same: stay steady, stay flexible, and stay committed to the players.
Two weeks on the road coming up. See you out there.