Rocket City Trash Pandas DIGIDECK

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The name was chosen in a name-the-team contest and is a reference to
the area's association with the space industry and the determination and
ingenuity of raccoons, aka Trash Pandas.

What is a Trash Panda? It is a raccoon.

The ballot descriptor read: Our community is known for engineering, and
no creature in our galaxy is as smart, creative, determined and ingenious a
problem solver - dedicated to the challenge at hand - as our local raccoons!

10 names were selected, based on their uniqueness and how
each name relates to the characteristics of the area: (Alphabetically) Army
Ants, Comet Jockeys, GloWorms, Lunartics, Moon Possums, Puffy Head
Bird Legs, Space Chimps, Space Sloths, ThunderSharks and Trash Pandas.

More than 28,500 nominations and votes

were recorded.

An Entertainment Destination providing affordable family, community, and corporate experiences where you are guaranteed to HAVE A BLAST!

Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) since 2020.
Year-Round Venue dedicated to entertaining fans and creating memorable events
Host over 300 non-baseball events
Minor League Baseball leader in Merchandise Sales since 2020.

Organizational Mission Statement

To Unite Communities by Creating Positive and Lasting Memories One Experience at a time.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Brand continues to grow on and off the field! Our primary logo Sprocket is one of the most recognized logos in Minor League Baseball and has been spotted at many Major League Games!

Fans from all over the world share pictures and experiences in Trash Pandas swag and keep the brand as a top performing leader in online sales. We have had fans tag in every country tag us in Trash Pandas Travels.

As fans make their way to the Rocket City, we have year-round visitors who include Toyota Field as a place to see and experience.

Since Toyota Field opened the Pepsi Gates for the first time, no other Southern League Team has entertained as many fans as possible! During the 2025 season, we crossed the 1.5 million thresholds, averaging 4,305 fans per game!

The Trash Pandas continue to thrive in national news! Not only for top prospects, but also funky circumstances. The team has been featured in a wide variety of national media, including:

Trash Pandas Blast onto HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

The Trash Pandas made international headlines on May 4 when HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver—a multiple Emmy Award–winning show that averages millions of viewers each week—gave the team a memorable cameo. Oliver quipped, “If you told me my idea to make people buy things is to put a raccoon in a trash can rocket ship, my first, second, and third reaction would be good idea, you’re about to be a billionaire. Because you can’t not buy merch like that once you know it exists. Case in point (puts hat on), GO TRASH PANDAS, TP’S FOR LIFE!” The live studio audience erupted, putting the Trash Pandas and their iconic brand in front of a massive worldwide audience.

Trash Pandas Take Over SportsCenter

The Trash Pandas grabbed national attention in 2025 with four highlights on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 and one on the “Not Top 10,” putting Rocket City in front of millions of viewers. Joe Redfield’s leaping catch over the berm railing at Toyota Field landed at No. 6 on May 15, while intern Cason Clarke’s tarp slip and barrel roll five days later earned a Not Top 10 nod. The team closed the season with three more Top 10 plays in the final week: Mac McCroskey’s sliding stop at No. 8 on August 31, and Ben Gobbel earning back-to-back spots with a barehanded play (No. 9, Sept. 2) and diving snag (No. 7, Sept. 5). In total, Rocket City delivered four Top 10 moments—and one unforgettable blooper—that reached ESPN’s massive national audience.

Who Are the Rocket City Trash Pandas?
The Trash Pandas were featured on Jeopardy! this year with a clue that read: “The Southern League’s Rocket City Trash Pandas play in Madison but were formerly the Bears of this other Alabama ‘M’ city.” The correct response: What is Mobile?

Since beginning play in 2021, 46 Rocket City players have made their MLB debuts, including many fan favorites. 10 of those debuts came in 2025, with four Opening Day roster players promoted to the Angels, including pitchers Jose Fermin and Mitch Farris.

The Trash Pandas also hosted 10 Angels prospects featured on the team’s Top 30 list on MLB Pipeline.

2025 MLB Promotions:

Michael Darrell-Hicks
Edgar Quero
José Fermin
Alan Rangel
Christian Moore
Robinson Piña
Chad Stevens
Jeremiah Jackson
Mitch Farris
Denzer Guzman

Quero – At 22, became the youngest White Sox position player since 2023 and the youngest foreign-born player since the late 1960s. Played for the Trash Pandas in 2023 and represented the club in the MLB Futures Game.

Fermin – First from 2025 Opening Day roster to reach the majors, debuting April 26 after a 3-0 record and 1.13 ERA in Rocket City.

Moore – Drafted 8th overall by the Angels in 2024, No. 1 prospect at call-up, played 57 games for Rocket City before MLB debut, recorded first MLB hit at Yankee Stadium near his hometown.

Jackson – Debuted with the Orioles on August 1, becoming a mainstay at third base; played 169 games for Rocket City (2022-23).

Farris – 14th player promoted directly from Double-A; third Trash Pandas player to win MLB debut; ranked 3rd in Double-A strikeouts at promotion (142 in 23 outings); second in team history for single-season strikeouts.

Guzman – At 21, youngest Angels position player since 2023 and youngest foreign-born player since 1967-69; July Southern League Player of the Month with 1.020 OPS, .580 slugging, 13 XBH, 47 total bases, batting .333 (27/81).

NEW IN 2025

In 2025, the Trash Pandas enhanced the fan experience for guests to enjoy!

The Town Madison and 565 Interchange -

The I-565 West Ramp adjacent to Toyota Field fully opened in both directions during the 2025 season, significantly improving traffic flow for Trash Pandas fans. The upgrade made both arrival and departure more efficient on game days, reducing congestion around the ballpark. In addition, new wayfinding signage was installed throughout the parking areas to further streamline entry and exit.

Sprockets Grill and New Food Items-

The Trash Pandas introduced several exciting new food and beverage options at Toyota Field. Fans were greeted near the main Pepsi Gate by Sprocket’s Grill, serving up favorites including the all-new smashburgers. New menu items included spectacular smoked wings with six chef-crafted sauces, foot-long corn dogs, Beverage Bat ICEEs, and the fan-favorite Brisket Mac Attack Burger.

Throwback Thursday-

Throwback Thursday at Toyota Field gave fans $3 domestic drafts at every location throughout the ballpark, while the Trash Pandas took the field in special throwback pinstripe jerseys. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia, great deals, and classic baseball vibes every Thursday all season long.

Trash Panda for A Day-
The Trash Pandas partnered with the LA Angels in 2025 to launch the Trash Panda for a Day program, giving local youth a one-of-a-kind baseball experience. Each month, an elementary or middle school student joined the team for pregame activities including batting practice, meeting players, and sharing a meal. The program created lasting memories while connecting kids to the game and their community in a meaningful way.

Butts and Sauce

In 2025, the Rocket City Trash Pandas celebrated the rich barbecue tradition of North Alabama with BBQ Weekend, June 20–22, taking the field as the Bama Butts and the Alabama White Sauce, which included specialty jerseys, hats and merchandise. Fans enjoyed a variety of local barbecue favorites throughout the ballpark, sampling contests, including smoked meats, specialty white sauce, and signature dishes paying tribute to the region’s iconic flavors.

Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce Takeover!

Town Madison and 565 Ramp!

Sprockets Grill

Trash Panda For a Day!

This season we welcomed characters and special guests from the Tennessee Valley and across the Nation!

From theme nights to special events, the Trash Pandas became a destination for unique and memorable experiences.

Comic and Pop Culture Night - April 24th
Zooperstars - April 26th
Bluey Appearance- April 27th
Princess Night - May 10th
Harry Potter Night - May 31st
Tennessee Titans Night- July 18th
Space Night- August 1
Dinosaur Weekend - August 2nd and 3rd
Japanese Heritage Night - August 27th
Bluey Appearance - July 28th
Trent Richardson- August 15th
Ozzy and Jose Canseco - August 28th
James Spann - September 9th

Each homestand series, the Trash Pandas featured the following exciting experiences keeping fans engaged and coming back for more!

Tuesday: Reed's Jewelers Ladies Night
Wednesday: Dog Days presented by Tito's
Thursday: Throwback Thursday's including Happy Hour
Friday and Select Saturday's: Fireworks Shows!
Sunday: Listerhill Credit Union Kids Run the Bases

Nightly Promotions Include:

GIVEAWAYS

Specialty JERSEY AUCTIONS

POST-GAME PROMOTIONS

NIGHTLY FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

THEME NIGHTS

70 Games

Over 2,000 CONTESTS

The Trash Pandas love to keep fans and guests entertained, even when the ball is not in play! Throughout the season, partners were featured with fans between half innings.

We had the privilege of hosting each of you at Toyota Field in some of our many event spaces, including the SportsMed Stadium Club, Halsey Suites, Wicks Family Party Deck, Picnic Patio, and SAIC Concourse Suites

Over 6,500 in the SAIC Concourse Suites
Over 5,700 on the Wicks Family Foundation Party Deck
Nearly 8,000 guests in the Single and Double suites.
More than 18,000 on the Picnic Patio

The Trash Pandas strive to stay committed and connected to the community. One way we achieve this is by hosting numerous non-baseball events. Toyota Field is a creative, multi space venue perfect for families and groups from all over. In 2025, we hosted over 100 non-baseball events with over 70,000 guests.

Some non-gameday events include:

AUSA Patriots Military Tribute Softball Game
Meet The Team Dinner
Rocket City Softball Tournament
Alabama & Auburn Baseball
Rocket City Christmas Light Show
Big Ol' Ballpark Fair
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Fall Festival and Movie Night
Youth Baseball Instructional Camps
Yoga on the Field
Business Networking Mixers
World's Largest Inflatable
Private Company Events

ONE OF THE most recognized and fastest- GROWING BRANDS IN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL!

FACEBOOK

85,000 followers

X

50,000 followers

INSTAGRAM

80,700 followers

TIKTOK

139,600 followers

From January through August 2025, the Rocket City Trash Pandas generated 41.3 million social media impressions—an average of 5.2 million per month—ranking second among all Double-A clubs and ninth across Minor League Baseball. The team’s combined audience on Facebook, Instagram, and X grew by 10% this year to 215,955 followers. Since debuting in 2021, the Trash Pandas have surpassed 200 million total impressions, establishing themselves as one of the most consistently engaging brands in MiLB.

Posting game updates and highlights, fan photos, promoting nightly specials and in-game activations, longer-form video content, and much more are all part of the Trash Pandas strategy.

Rocket City is who we are.

Home Run Astronaut Helmet

A one-of-a-kind astronaut helmet with a racoon tail was created and designed by our friends from NASA. Whenever a Trash Pandas player hits a home run, he would be greeted with the Astronaut helmet for a celebration fit for Rocket City.

Trash Pandas Players Tour North Alabama

With the help of LA Angels "Real Life Friday" series, Trash Pandas players and coaches visited the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Redstone Arsenal to learn more about the aerospace industry. They heard from scientists, military personnel, and engineers. The team also wore Space themed jerseys for a game.

Honoring those who serve our country is a core component of our organization. It is a privilege of the Trash Pandas to pay tribute to those who serve and have sacrificed.

Local organizations and civic groups have the opportunity to display a large American Flag in centerfield. The Trash Pandas players wear camouflage during the game in acknowledgement of their service and hard work of our local community.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation was officially established in 2022 as a 501c3.

Mission:

Dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the North Alabama region.

Throughout the 2025 season, the Trash Pandas held a number of events to benefit the Foundation while bringing fans closer to their favorite team!

Meet The Team Dinner

Trash Pandas partners and season ticket holders had the chance to enjoy the 2025 players and coaches prior to Opening Night and hear from team Manager Andy Schatzley.

Community Clubhouse Fundraiser Sale

Game-used and limited-edition autographed memorabilia was available to fans in support of the Trash Pandas Foundation.

Collection Drives

Each month, fans were asked to donate items to support local nonprofits.

Blankets, Beanies, and Board Games- Clearview Cancer Institute

Toiletries Drive - Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen

School Supplies- Local Elementary Schools

Canned Food Drive - One Generation Away

8 Jersey Auctions!

Fans from all over bid on specialty game-worn jerseys autographed by Trash Pandas Players. Proceeds from these auctions were donated to local non-profits and the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation.

April 10: Anime Jersey (Food Bank of North Alabama)
May 11: Mother's Day Jersey (The Caring Link)
May 31st: Harry Potter Jersey (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
July 19th: Margaritaville Jersey (Centers for the Developmentally Disabled N. Central Alabama)
August 1st: Space Jersey (Family Services)
August 28th: Huntsville Stars Jersey (Local Nonprofits)
September 13th: Patriotic Jersey (AUSA)
September 14th: Lunaticos (Local Nonprofits)

The eight auctions combined to raise over $56,000 this season!

The Trash Pandas hosted instructional baseball camp and a community pitch, hit, and run event, where local kids had an opportunity to receive one-on-one skill training from Trash Pandas Players.

Over 200 campers learned baseball basics including hitting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning and returned home with autographs, photos, and long-lasting memories.

The Trash Pandas Foundation started a Reading with Sprocket program to inspire and motivate local students in the North Alabama. Each student received a custom Trash Pandas bookmark and folder to track their progress. Once the program is complete, students received a surprise visit from Sprocket and a Trash Pandas ticket to enjoy a game.

Over 13,000 local students participating in the Reading Program!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS BECAUSE OUR 2026 SCHEDULE IS HERE!

The 2026 Trash Pandas season will be 138 games from April 4 through September 14!
We will play 69 Home Games at Toyota Field
Home Opener: Friday, April 3rd vs. the Biloxi Shuckers.
Holiday home games include Easter, Juneteenth, Armed Forces, Father's Day, and Fourth of July
Weekend Postgame Firework Spectaculars