Chapter 6: Weathering the Road
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.
Road trips are unpredictable, and this week was a perfect example. From bus breakdowns to rainouts and doubleheaders, staying adaptable is key. The week was filled with long days, quick turnarounds, and plenty of unexpected challenges, but we kept moving forward. Here’s how we managed the ups and downs while keeping the team ready to compete.
Monday, May 5 – Prepping for the Road
The day started with taking one of our players to get fitted for orthotics—always important to make sure everything is customized for their comfort and performance. After the appointment, I headed to the stadium for a quick Zoom call with our Assistant Director of Athletic Training to go over a few housekeeping items. With the road trip to Biloxi ahead, I spent time restocking and prepping the travel trunks. Finally, I grabbed some supper, did laundry, and packed my bags for the week.
Tuesday, May 6 – Off to Biloxi
I got to the stadium around 9:30 a.m. to help load the bus, and we left at 10:30. The trip went smoothly, and once we arrived, I helped unload the gear and set up the training room and dugout. After checking in with the manager and staff, I jumped into maintenance, activation programs, and treatments. As the day moved on, we handled bullpens, post-throw exercises, and pre-game prep. Game time came and went, and once it was over, I handled recovery, sent out bus times, and did my nightly check-in with my wife.
Wednesday, May 7 – Rainy Day & Walking to Work
With the team hotel just a short walk from the stadium, it was a nice change to stroll over at 7:30 a.m. I got the training room and dugout ready, met with the staff, and started working with players as they arrived. Just as we were prepping for game time, the rain hit, leading to a delay and ultimately postponement. The game was rescheduled as a doubleheader for Thursday. I notified the directors of the change and kept players on their treatment routines before wrapping up for the night.
Thursday, May 8 – Doubleheader Grind
I arrived at the stadium around 10:00 a.m. for the doubleheader scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. While setting up, one player reported some increased tightness, so I immediately notified the directors and began treatment. The day was all about managing activation programs, bullpen sessions, and getting players game-ready. After both games wrapped up, we went through our usual post-game routine—treatments, notes, and meeting with the manager—before heading back to the hotel around 12:30 a.m.
Friday, May 9 – Rained Out Again
I got to the stadium around 11:30 a.m. and set up as usual, but the rain came back, forcing another postponement. We prepared for a doubleheader the following day, keeping players on their recovery and maintenance routines. After notifying the directors and cleaning up, I headed back to the hotel.
Saturday, May 10 – Doubleheader Take Two
Arriving at 10:00 a.m., I went through the usual setup and prep, making sure the training room and dugout were ready. We handled treatments, activation work, and bullpens as usual. During pre-game, one player reported not feeling well. I assessed him, notified the directors, and set a plan of care. After a rain delay pushed the first game to 6:00 p.m., we adjusted our routine and got through the doubleheader. Post-game work took us late into the night, wrapping up around 12:15 a.m.
Sunday, May 11 – Mother’s Day on the Move
After packing up my things, I arrived at the stadium around 9:00 a.m. and began our usual setup. As players came in, we handled maintenance programs and treatments. One player reported some throwing discomfort, so I coordinated imaging and an evaluation back in Pensacola for Monday. After the game, it was time to pack up and head back to Pensacola. We left Biloxi around 5:15 p.m. and arrived home around 7:15 p.m. After unloading the bus, I made sure the training room was ready for the upcoming week and sorted through the supplies that arrived while we were gone.
Looking Ahead
The road always brings unexpected challenges, but keeping routines consistent helps everyone stay grounded. From doubleheaders and delays to quick turnarounds and midnight calls, this week reinforced the importance of staying adaptable. Now, with a two-week homestand ahead, we get to settle in and focus on building momentum—both for the players and the training process.
Until next time—see you back in Pensacola.