Trash Pandas ready for first game in franchise history
Trash Pandas play first six games on the road against Chattanooga Outfielder Torii hunter Jr. addresses the Media during the Rocket City Trash Pandas first Media Day (Source: WAFF) By Carl Prather | May 3, 2021 at 9:30 PM CDT - Updated May 3 at 10:42 PM
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - 2021 couldn’t get here soon enough for Rocket City Trash Pandas Manager Jay Bell.
The first practice on Saturday, May 1st as a team at Toyota Field was truly special for a group of men who didn’t get to play Minor League Baseball in 2020.
“They were really excited to get spikes in dirt after such a long hold over,” Bell said during the Franchise’s first Media Day. “To be able to do that in Phoenix (Spring Training) was fantastic and to now get here to Rocket City is just glorious. So, these guys are excited about it, excited to get going.”
Opening Day; emergency expiration; inmates to the rescue: Down in Alabama
Posted May 04, 2021 podcast:
If you’re a fan of minor-league baseball in Alabama, today is your long-awaited opening day. Actually, it’s probably the longest you’ve ever waited for an opening day.
It’s been so long, the last time the Southern League was in action there was a team called the Mobile BayBears.
Seems like forever ago, doesn’t it?
The BayBears, of course, have moved 350 miles north to Madison, Alabama, and are now known as the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
The Trash Pandas, the Montgomery Biscuits and the Birmingham Barons all begin their seasons tonight.
Rocket City Trash Pandas start season Tuesday
Players took the field Monday for Media Day.
Posted: May 3, 2021 8:58 PM
Updated: May 3, 2021 9:06 PM
Posted By: Lynden Blake
You ve worn the Trash Pandas gear. You ve watched the stadium pop up off Interstate 565. More than likely, you ve been to a non-baseball event at Toyota Field over this past year, but it s finally time to play ball!
The Trash Pandas start their season Tuesday at Chattanooga. It gives the team a chance to get some games in before their big return to the Rocket City for the home opener May 11.
One of the faces you ll see all summer is Torii Hunter Jr. The 25-year-old outfielder has only been in North Alabama for about 48 hours, but he s still seen enough to know he has top-notch facilities.
Minor league teams across the country are set to open their seasons Tuesday, returning baseball to communities denied the old national pastime during the coronavirus pandemic. Capacities will differ by jurisdiction, but for most, it will be the first opportunity to see pro players in person since the entire 2020 season was canceled.
Of course, much has changed since the last affiliated games were played in 2019. There are fewer teams and leagues and Major League Baseball has introduced plans to use the minors as a testing ground for new rules that could improve pace of play or reduce player injuries.
Much will remain the same. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways and outlandish team branding - more on those Trash Pandas below - remain key pillars of the minor league experience.
What’s in a name? For the Trash Pandas, $4 million in merchandise sales before first game
Updated 7:58 AM;
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“Yes, this is our real team name.”
It’s bizarre, crazy, weird … and popular.
That the Rocket City Trash Pandas are a minor league baseball team in Madison starting its first season this week is almost a secondary thought. It’s that nickname that grabs your attention and won’t let go.
That nickname is responsible for more than $4 million in merchandise sales since the team rolled it out in 2018. And whether you love it or hate it, it’s captivating.