Chapter 8: Consistency is the Key
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.
With the second week of a two-week homestand underway, the daily rhythm of being at home brings structure—but not simplicity. Each day presents new challenges, whether it’s managing unexpected injuries, keeping up with rehab routines, or being a calming, constant presence for players. Through it all, staying consistent is everything. Here’s how the week unfolded.
Monday, May 19 – Catching Up
After a long stretch of games, today offered a brief window to catch up on computer work and prep for the week ahead. More importantly, I was able to enjoy some quality time with my family—something that’s always needed and appreciated. We ended the day with dinner together at a normal hour, a rare treat during the season.
Tuesday, May 20 – Injury During BP
I arrived around 10:30 a.m. and got right into our usual routine. During batting practice, one of our players went down with an injury. I notified our directors and coaching staff immediately, completed an evaluation, and began working on scheduling imaging and evaluation with our team MD. After bullpens and post-throw care, I finished getting the team ready for the game. Postgame, I spent a few minutes on the field with my wife and son—watching him run around the grass, without a care in the world, is the perfect way to end a day. Then it was back to work: treatments, notes, reports, and eventually home for bedtime stories and a late dinner.
Wednesday, May 21 – A Plan Comes Together
Another 10:30 a.m. start, right into setup and treatment routines. After our MD evaluated the injured player from Tuesday, he called with an update and care plan. I relayed that to our directors and coaching staff before heading outside for bullpens. The rest of the day followed the standard rhythm: post-throw care, game prep, and postgame recovery. And, as usual, I got a few minutes of postgame joy watching my son play on the field before heading inside for final treatments and notes.
Thursday, May 22 – A Slower Start, Same Focus
With a later report time, I had some bonus morning time with my family. Once at the stadium, the day moved quickly—setup, check-ins, treatment, bullpen work, and game prep. After the game, I again enjoyed a few minutes on the field with my son before finishing up the day’s work. These small moments off the clock make a huge impact.
Friday, May 23 – Steady Flow
I arrived around 12:30 p.m. and went straight into the daily rhythm. Two days into our later-start schedule, everything flowed smoothly. I kept our directors updated throughout the game with player progress, then wrapped up the day with our usual postgame routine. Once again, the highlight came after the final out—those priceless minutes with my son on the field before heading home for dinner with my wife and closing out notes for the day.
Saturday, May 24 – Doubling Up on Evaluations
Today brought a new wrinkle. Two players reported discomfort from Friday night’s game. I immediately notified the directors and staff, completed evaluations, and reached out to our team MD, who came by the field to evaluate both players. The rest of the day involved managing treatments, preparing for the game, and staying on top of updates. After the final out, I sent player updates and wrapped up the day as always—with family time on the field, treatments, notes, and end-of-day reports.
Sunday, May 25 – Finish Strong
With our first 4:05 p.m. Sunday game, I arrived at 10:30 a.m. and got to work. Everything ran smoothly until about an hour before game time, when a player reported discomfort. I evaluated him, looped in the directors and coaching staff, and then continued with game prep. After the game, our team MD came by to evaluate the player, and I updated everyone on the findings. The day ended with the same routine: notes, clean-up, reports, and a moment to reflect.
Looking Ahead
As I wrapped up this homestand, a few key mottos kept repeating in my head:
Be the same person every day. Stay even keel. Be the constant your players can count on.
In a world full of variables, that kind of stability matters. It’s what allows players to trust you, staff to lean on you, and the entire team to keep moving forward—no matter what each day brings.
Now we pack up and head back on the road. See you in Montgomery.