Chapter 7: The Ryhthm of the Homestand
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 two weeks on the road, there’s something comforting about settling into the home stadium—your own space, your own setup, and a bit more consistency in the day-to-day. But that doesn’t mean it gets any easier. Injuries, early mornings, extra innings, and constant communication keep the homestand as demanding as ever. Here’s how week one of our two-week homestand unfolded.
Monday, May 12 – Starting the Week with Care
The day began at our team doctor’s office with one of our players who needed further evaluation and imaging. Once a plan of care was established, I updated the directors, then headed to the stadium to get all the notes and images uploaded into the EMR. After finishing documentation and making sure the training room was ready for the week, I finally headed home.
Tuesday, May 13 – Leadership in Town
I arrived around 10:30 a.m. and went through our usual setup routine. Our director, Corey, was in town—it’s always great to catch up with him, talk through cases, and learn from his perspective. After checking in with our coaching staff, I met with the visiting ATCs to review the Emergency Action Plan and connect for a few minutes. Once players started arriving, it was full speed ahead with activation programs, treatments, fatigue monitoring, and bullpen support. After the game began, I sent updates to our directors about player progress. The game went into extra innings—because of course it did—with an 11:05 a.m. start looming the next morning.
Wednesday, May 14 – Early Wake-Up Call
With the early start, I was at the stadium by 6:00 a.m.—a spring training kind of morning. We followed the usual process: check-in with coaches, player treatments, bullpens, and pre-game prep. After the game and postgame care, I made it home in time for a rare treat—dinner with the family and some extra time with them. The long day was worth it.
Thursday, May 15 – Connections Matter
Arriving around 12:45 p.m., I kicked off the day with the usual setup. I also had the chance to connect again with the visiting ATCs—a reminder that building relationships in this profession is just as important as the work itself. After player care, bullpens, and game prep, we wrapped up the day with postgame treatment and notes. A smooth day, and a solid reminder that the relationships you build now carry long-term value in this game.
Friday, May 16 – Finding Flow
In by 10:45 a.m., I repeated the rhythm: setup, check-ins, visiting team conversations, treatments, bullpens, and pregame work. After the game, I handled all postgame responsibilities and finished up with the usual end-of-day meeting with the manager. Routines like this keep things steady—and that consistency makes a big difference for both players and staff.
Saturday, May 17 – Staying Sharp
Another 10:45 a.m. start with a full day ahead. We followed the standard pattern—training room, dugout, player care, and pregame prep. During the game, one of our players needed an on-field evaluation. After assessing him, I updated the directors and monitored his status. Postgame care continued as always, and by the time I left, we were already prepping mentally for Sunday.
Sunday, May 18 – Wrapping the Week with Gratitude
Mother’s Day. I got to the stadium early—around 8:00 a.m.—and began the final day of the week with the usual full setup. We had another on-field evaluation during the game, and after completing the assessment, I updated the directors again. After the game, we cleaned up, handled all treatments and notes, and wrapped up the first week of our homestand.
As we look ahead to hosting Birmingham next, I ended the week reflecting on some simple truths: Always expect the unexpected. How you do anything is how you do everything. Treat others how you want to be treated. Those values hold up just as well in the clubhouse as they do in life.
Looking Ahead
One week down, one more to go in the homestand. The consistency of being home brings a welcome rhythm, but the challenges never stop. From early starts to late nights, this job is about staying present, focused, and committed to the people you’re here to support.
Until next time—see you at the yard.