Trash Pandas Successfully Launch Non-Profit Foundation

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

MADISON, Alabama – In just its first year, the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation raised more than $150,000 in donations for non-profit organizations in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. The Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Trash Pandas was incorporated prior to the 2022 baseball season, is dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the region.

The donations were fueled by fundraising events, both new and returning, including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Community Clubhouse Sales, Youth Camps, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2022 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2022 include:

  • Six specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $100,000 throughout the season. 2022 jersey auctions included Space Night, Star Wars Night, Armed Forces Night, Patriotic Jerseys for Independence Day, Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night, and Huntsville Stars Throwback Night.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games. Each volunteer was paid hourly with profits going to their organization, which collected over $57,000.
  • The Trash Pandas Foundation hosted two Community Clubhouse Sales in 2022, offering a variety of autographed and game-used memorabilia to fand in a garage sale fashion. Items included autographed cards, mystery autographed baseballs, broken bats, game-worn hats, limited-edition specialty jerseys, and more. These sales raised over $21,000 for the foundation.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 100 children aged 7-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also embraced the North Alabama community, making appearances at the St. Jude’s Clinic and Pediatric Wing at Huntsville Hospital, Volunteering with Rock, Steady, Boxing’s Senior Class, and reading to students at local schools.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $700 was collected.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, a Huntsville Havoc game, and even a trip to Los Angeles.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation is led by Director of Community Relations, Maddison Kendrick, who has been with the team since 2020 following a successful three years leading community relations for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The Foundation looks forward to continuing their work in the local community as the 2023 season approaches. To learn more about the foundation and get involved, CLICK HERE.

Trash Pandas To Host Military Tribute Night, Donut 5K Challenge 

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USA Patriots Softball Game set for September 10, Donut 5K Challenge on September 24

The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced details for two events taking place at Toyota Field in September, the Military Tribute Night on Saturday, September 10, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge on Saturday, September 24

The Military Tribute Night on September 10 will be a celebration to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. In partnership with AUSA, the evening will feature pregame festivities such as a parachute team, large flag presentation, color guard, and more.

Team USA Patriots will take on Team AUSA in a softball game that night, before the evening will conclude with fireworks and a performance from Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans. Tickets are now available and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets cost $10 in advance with the price increasing to $15 on September 10. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Patriots will be hosting a pre-game meet and greet with an autograph signing on the concourse from 5:15-5:45 p.m. Scotty Hasting will then perform at 5:45. Following a patriotic pre-game display, the game will begin at 6:15 and last nine innings. Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans will perform a post-game concert as well.

Group and hospitality options are available. To learn more, please call (256) 325-1403 extension 2.

Two weeks later, Toyota Field will host the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge, a great test of endurance for fans with an appetite. Participants will start inside Toyota Field then run to the designated donut pick up spot inside Town Madison. After eating at least three donuts, participants will make their way back to the Start/Finish line inside Toyota Field. The race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Medals will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Female Finishers who complete the challenge by eating the donuts and crossing the finish line. Registration is now open by CLICKING HERE and costs $30 in advance, with the price going up to $50 on the day of the race. Registration will include a T-Shirt, Bib, Donuts for the challenge, access to the post-race celebration at the Inline Electric Rock Porch with one drink voucher included per participant, as well as a post-race healthy snack. The deadline to register and receive a T-Shirt is Sunday, September 4, and the deadline to register online is at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21.

The Inline Electric Rock Porch will be open for spectators and participants to enjoy a nice cold beverage and to partake in a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.

Trash Pandas Explore Negro League History

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Baseball is a game built on its history, with the sacrifices of players’ past paving the way for today’s stars to shine brightest. In Alabama, that history is especially significant, with professional baseball’s roots in the state dating back more than a century.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are the newest addition to Alabama’s rich baseball history, blasting off with the inaugural season in 2021. This week, the Trash Pandas will celebrate the history with Negro League Tribute Night on Thursday, June 16.

The second annual Negro League Tribute Night at Toyota Field will feature appearances from former Negro League players Eugene Scruggs of the Detroit Stars and former Birmingham Black Baron Horace Moore. Also on the concourse will be a traveling exhibit from the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham.

During the Trash Pandas’ road trip in Birmingham in May, several players and coaches visited the museum before a game, learning about the history of the game that is their passion. At the museum, the Trash Pandas explored a wide variety of Negro League memorabilia and artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, contracts, and even a hologram of the legendary Satchel Paige with a hologram of his arsenal on the mound to show movement on his pitches.

It was an eye-opening experience for the Trash Pandas, and a preview of what fans can expect on Thursday night.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for the players. I’m really excited for them to be able to experience this,” Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley said. “It’s incredibly informative and celebratory of a portion of the game that needs to be celebrated and recognized.”

“Coming here and getting to take in the museum, it’s definitely humbling and I’m also proud of the heritage of the people that came before me that paved the way for me to be able the game that I love today,” said outfielder Torii Hunter Jr., who was recently promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake. “I’m extremely grateful, appreciative, and I’m also humbled because they endured a lot to get us to where we are now but I’m thankful for everything they’ve done and the contributions they’ve made to this game.”

The exhibits featuring Negro League legends such as Paige, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and many more were especially meaningful to some, and it speaks to the overall message of the Negro Southern League Museum.

“We tell the story of black baseball through the eyes of Birmingham and the country,” said Valerie Wilson, Project Manager for the Negro Southern League Museum. “It’s so important to pay respect and homage to the players and their adventures.”

The story behind many of the exhibits on display feature even greater significance, with each player paving their own success story. That message was felt by the Trash Pandas.

“The biggest thing is that people didn’t care about what kind of bat was used or what kind of glove they had. They were just out there to play the game and be the best they could,” Hunter Jr. said. “There were not a lot of excuses being made. It makes me take a step back and look at my career and how everything has gone for me. There’s not many excuses for me to not go out there and play the game the right way because that’s what they did, especially given the circumstances that they were in.”

“It was nostalgic,” Schatzley added. “Understanding that every player, these players included, have their own individual path to getting to where they want to be and being able to learn and empathize with the path of some players that came before these guys is awesome for the players to see.”

“In the minor leagues you go from city to city, league to league, it’s a grind,” said Hitting Coach Kenny Hook. “I think it’s important for them to understand the history of the Southern League. There’s so much history here and it’s something they are proud to be a part of.”

“Being here and seeing all of the history. It’s cool to be able to take a step back and see where our game was and how our game has grown,” added pitcher Kolton Ingram.

Those thoughts echo what the museum is hoping to hear when players from other teams stop by throughout the season.

“It’s extra special for us that current players respect their elders and want to learn about their history,” Wilson said. “We’re always excited when players take the time to come here and learn.”

For more information on the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham, visit birminghamnlsm.org.

Successful Black Individuals Who Left a Lasting Impact with the Dust Devils 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or leave a lasting impact on the baseball community.

While some of these standout performers went on to have successful Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers, careers in other professional sports, or in some cases left a positive impact on the local baseball community.

Here is a look at five successful Black individuals who left a lasting impact on the Tri-City Dust Devils and the Tri-City community as a whole.

CJ Mitchell:

CJ Mitchell was an amateur baseball umpire whose career started in the early 70’s. He worked for 35 years in both the PAC-8 and PAC-10 conferences. He worked six American Legion World Series Tournaments, 10 NAIA World Series Tournaments; he was a four time NCAA Division-1 College World Series Umpire in Omaha, Neb. (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981) and was selected to work exhibition games for the U.S. Olympic team in 1984 and 1988. He was a family man who left a lasting impact on the community, not only for his work in sports, but also from being a genuinely good person. He has been inducted into no less than six sports hall of fames across Washington State. CJ passed in 2016, but he is remembered every day at Gesa Stadium with the CJ Mitchell Memorial Umpires Room.

Stu Cole:

Stu Cole was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 3rd round of the 1987 draft. His playing career spanned from 1987 to 1995 in both the Royals and Colorado Rockies organizations. He began coaching in 1995 within the Rockies organization. In 2001 Stu Cole became the first manager in Dust Devils franchise history. He led the Dust Devils to a 39-36 record and finished second in the North Division. He later managed Double-A Tulsa from 2006 to 2009 and the Pacific Coast League’s Colorado Springs Sky Sox from 2010 to 2012. In 2012 Stu was named the 3rd Base Coach for the Colorado Rockies where he still is today!

Russell Wilson:

Out of High School, Wilson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB draft. Wilson elected to continue his education and attended NC State from 2008 to 2010. During his collegiate career, Wilson hit .282/.384/.415 with five home runs and 30 RBI’s. On June 8th 2010, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round. He made his professional debut with the Tri-City Dust Devils where he finished the season batting .230 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI’s. On June 27, 2011 it was announced that Wilson had committed to Wisconsin to continue his football career. In the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson was selected in the 3rd round by the Seattle Seahawks. His rookie year he led the Seahawks to the post season and was selected as an alternate for the 2013 Pro Bowl. In the 2013-2014 season, Wilson led the Seahawks to a 13-3 record and their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Wilson became just the second black starting Quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Wilson has amassed a number of awards during his time in Seattle, with eight Pro Bowl Selections, three Steve Largent Awards, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the 2022 Bart Starr Award.

Anthony Sanders:

Anthony Sanders was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 7th round of the 1992 MLB Amateur Draft out of Santa Rita High School in Tucson, Arizona. Sanders made his Major League debut for the Blue Jays April 26, 1999. As a member of the United States National Baseball Team, Sanders won a gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. After his playing career, Sanders joined the Colorado Rockies organization as the hitting coach for the Tri-City Dust Devils from 2007 to 2012. He was promoted in 2013 to manager of the Grand Junction Rockies. He spent 2013 through 2015 in Grand Junction and was named the 2014 Pioneer League Manager of the Year. He spent 2016 and 2017 as the Class A Advanced Development Supervisor before serving as the Rockies outfield and base running coach in 2018 and 2019. Sanders is currently the Baltimore Orioles First Base Coach.

Brendon Davis:

Brendon Davis was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CA. He entered the 2015 draft as the Baseball America’s No. 51 ranked High School prospect. He was selected by the Los Angeles Angels on December 10, 2020 int he Rule 5 Minor League Draft. In 2021, Brendon Davis made 63 appearances with the Tri-City Dust Devils, batting .280 with 40 RBI’s and 14 home runs. He was promoted to Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas and soon thereafter Triple-A Salt Lake Bee’s where he finished the season. In 31 games with the Bee’s, Davis batted .333 with 25 RBI’s and 8 home runs. He won two High-A West Offensive Player of the Week awards with the Dust Devils and is currently listed as a member of the Angels 40 Man Roster.

Trash Pandas Celebrate Black History Month

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month throughout the month of February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious careers in the big leagues, others had a great Minor League career, or in some cases, one incredible season that went down as a year for the ages.

Here is a look back at the five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for North Alabama’s team.

Prince Fielder

The seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft was destined for stardom from a young age. The son of World Series Champion and All-Star Cecil Fielder, Prince began his professional career in 2002 in the Milwaukee Brewers system.

After finishing 2003 in Low-A, Fielder skipped High-A in 2004 and went straight to Double-A Huntsville as a 20-year-old for his third professional season. Despite being one of the youngest players in the Southern League, Fielder had an impressive season, batting .272 with 23 home runs, 78 RBI, 70 runs, 29 doubles, and 11 stolen bases over 135 games for the Stars. Those totals ranked among the Southern League leaders in numerous categories including home runs (T-2nd), RBI (T-4th), and hits (T-5th, 135), That summer, Fielder launched a home run at the Southern League All-Star Game and played for Team USA at the All-Star Futures Game in Houston.

The next season, Fielder made his MLB debut for the Brewers and never looked back, playing over 1,600 big leagues games between the Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. He ended a 12-year big league career in 2016 with six All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger Awards, and was eventually named to the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor.

Rickie Weeks

Another member of the 2004 Huntsville Stars proved to be one of the franchise’s best. Rickie Weeks took an interesting path to North Alabama, winning the Golden Spikes Award for Southern University in 2003 and making his MLB debut for the Brewers later that season after being selected second overall in the draft.

In his first full professional season, the 21-year-old Weeks joined the Stars in 2004 and spent the entire season in Huntsville.

Over 133 games, Weeks batted .259 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, 35 doubles, 57 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases while ranked as the Brewers’ top prospect. His 35 doubles led the Southern League and he joined Fielder on the American squad for the All-Star Futures Game in Houston.

That 2004 season was Weeks’ only at the Double-A level. He became a mainstay in the Brewers’ lineup in 2005 and spent more than a decade in the big leagues, mainly with Milwaukee. In 2011, he earned his first and only All-Star selection and is also enshrined on the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor.

Lorenzo Cain

It took a little while for Lorenzo Cain to reach Double-A, and just a bit longer to reach the big leagues. But once he got there, he never looked back.

Drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round of the 2004 draft, Cain first arrived in Huntsville late in the 2008 season and hit .277 over 40 games in his Double-A debut following a strong start with High-A Brevard County. The next year, he returned to Huntsville, but his average dipped to .214. In 2010, Cain, but it all together and hit .324 with 21 stolen bases over 62 games for the Stars to be named a Southern League Mid-Season All-Star.

He made his MLB debut for the Brewers later that season before an offseason trade sent him to the Kansas City Royals. He became a regular in the Kansas City lineup in 2013 and worked his way to stardom over the next couple seasons. He earned ALCS MVP honors in 2014 as the Royals reached the World Series for the first time since 1985. The next year, he earned his first All-Star selection and drove in three runs in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series to lead Kansas City to the title.

Cain returned to the Brewers as a free agent in 2018, earning his second All-Star selection that season. A strong defensive center fielder, Cain earned his first Gold Glove Award in 2019. Now 36 years old, Cain is still on the Milwaukee roster heading in to the 2022 season.

Gary Jones

Although Gary Jones never played in a Major League game, his contributions to the Huntsville Stars rank him among the greats in franchise history. In 1986, Jones arrived to North Alabama for the first time and hit .311 with two home runs, 49 RBI, 34 stolen bases, and led the league with both 116 runs scored and 128 walks for a dominant Stars squad that went 78-63 before ultimately falling in the Southern League Championship Series.

Three years later, Jones returned to Huntsville for the second time as a 28-year-old player/coach and hit .275 with 16 stolen bases, 67 runs, and 45 RBI over 96 games in what proved to be his final season as a player. His 235 career walks and .486 on-base percentage for the Stars are both franchise records.

Jones became a full-time coach the next season and quickly worked his way back to Huntsville in 1994. In his only season at the helm for the Stars, he earned Southern League Manager of the Year honors after guiding the club to an 81-57 record, the best winning percentage in Stars history. In the playoffs, the Stars swept Chattanooga before defeating Carolina in four games to win the second Southern League title in franchise history.

Jones has been coaching ever since; leading affiliates from a number of different organizations. From 2014-17, he was the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs, including their World Series winning club in 2016. Most recently, he managed Triple-A Lehigh Valley from 2018-21 and will be back in the big leagues as the first base coach for the Detroit Tigers in 2022.

Torii Hunter Jr.

A fan favorite with a contagious energy both on and off the diamond, Torii Hunter Jr. was a mainstay in the Rocket City Trash Pandas’ lineup during the inaugural 2021 season

Constantly dancing in the dugout and making friends along the railing before the game, Hunter dazzled on the field with spectacular defense in the outfield and speed on the bases, with his 12 stolen bases tying for 16th in Double-A South.

On June 15, he became the first player in Trash Pandas history to record a steal of home plate as a part of a delayed double steal against Biloxi. He ended his first season at the Double-A level at the top of his game, hitting .333 with six doubles and eight runs scored over 12 September games.

Although Hunter Jr.’s long-term legacy in the Rocket City is still to be written, his impact in the team’s first season ranks him among the favorites.


Read More:

2021 Trash Pandas Community Impact Report 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to assist the North Alabama community by raising more than $100,000 in cash donations for non-profit organizations during the team’s inaugural season in 2021.

The funds were raised through a series of events throughout the season including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Dog Day Donations, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2021 include:

  • Five specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $65,000 throughout the season.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games with profits going to their organization, which collected over $47,000.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $750 was collected.
  • Four drive-through food drives at Toyota Field where over 40,000 pounds of food was distributed at each event to provide more than 2,500 families with much-needed food during the pandemic.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 200 children aged 8-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also posed with rescue animals for a calendar photo shoot to help puppies find a new home.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, trade shows, visits with Trash Pandas partners, and delivering holiday meals to those in need.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Trash Pandas are looking forward to continuing their work in the community as the 2022 season approaches. To learn more on how to get involved in Trash Pandas community events, please CLICK HERE to view the Community Tab at TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Opening Night at Toyota Field is set for Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Trash Pandas To Host Job Fair On February 19

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In preparation for the second season in franchise history in 2022, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will be hosting a job fair at Toyota Field on Saturday, February 19 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Trash Pandas are currently seeking candidates with strong energy, passion, and enthusiasm to work at Trash Pandas home games at Toyota Field to help create the best fan experience in professional baseball. Positions are available across many departments including ushers, ticket takers, promotions, production, parking, security, food and beverage, retail, and many more!

Interested candidates must be at least 16 years of age with legal work status. During the job fair, applicants will be able to interview for a maximum of three (3) positions. Each interview will take about 5-10 minutes. Individuals who might not be hired for one of their top three positions, may be offered a role in a different department.

All applicants MUST have a completed job application prior to being interviewed. The application can be downloaded and filled out in advance by CLICKING HERE, and there will also be forms available on-site at the job fair. Job preference sheets will be available for those interviewing for multiple positions.

The 2022 Trash Pandas season starts on the road in Birmingham on Friday, April 8 before the home opener at Toyota Field against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Tuesday, April 12.

Trash Pandas Hosting Trunk or Treat on October 30

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Trunk or Treat and Halloween Movie Night will be returning to Toyota Field for the second time on Saturday, October 30. Trick-or-treating at Toyota Field will be from 5-7 p.m. in the Toyota Outfield Experience followed by a screening of The Haunted Mansion at 7:15 p.m.

“We are looking forward to welcoming fans back to Toyota Field for the biggest Halloween celebration in North Alabama,” Trash Pandas General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “This event is perfect for fans of all ages, and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed in their Halloween costumes.”

Tickets are $10 if purchased before the day of the event. On October 30, tickets will be available for $15. Parking at Toyota Field is free and available at the gravel parking lot.

The Rocket City Wranglers will be on hand to provide over 60 trunks for the event from 5-7.

The Dumpster Dive concession stand will be open for fans to purchase traditional ballpark fare.

Tickets are available online by clicking here or in person at the Toyota Field box office.

Bees to Honor First Responders on Sept. 11

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SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 10, 2021) – The Salt Lake Bees have several events planned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Bees will start the day by turning on the Smith’s Ballpark stadium lights at 6:46 a.m. (MT), the time American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The lights at the stadium will remain on for 24 hours to honor the victims of 9/11.

Prior to the game, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall will join the Bees in leading a moment of silence. An honor guard of Salt Lake City Fire and Police will conduct a flag ceremony, and the Salt Lake City Fire Department Choir will perform the National Anthem.

Tickets for the game on Saturday are half price for first responders using a link sent to them by Mayor Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson as a thank you for their sacrifice and service.

The Bees will also be collecting food and clothing donations throughout the day at Smith’s Ballpark to benefit Utah Food Bank and Shelter the Homeless as part of Larry H. Miller’s Driven to Assist program. Fans that bring a donation will receive two ticket vouchers for any Bees game during the 2021 season. All non-perishable food items will be accepted, but among the most needed items are:

· peanut butter

· mac & cheese

· canned meats

· canned fruits

· boxed meals.

New socks and underwear or gently used clothing (including coats and closed-toe shoes) for children and adults will be accepted, and there is an urgent need for menstrual products.

First pitch against the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Saturday night is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Smith’s Ballpark.

–slbees.com—

Trash Pandas To Host September 11 Tribute Night

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

On Saturday, September 11 the Rocket City Trash Pandas, in conjunction with AUSA, are proud to host a special Tribute Night at Toyota Field as we honor and remember our heroes in recognition of the 20th Anniversary.

This tribute day will feature events throughout the day, capped off by a softball game featuring the USA Patriots against the BeArded WARRIORS, a dazzling post-game fireworks display, and a live concert after the game with Brandon Elder. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.

Pre-Game Activities

  • 9/11 Memorial Service: Madison Fire and Police departments will be hosting a memorial service beginning at 8:30 a.m. in honor of all of those who perished on September 11, 2001.
  • Adventure Fun Run: AUSA and Huntsville Boot Camp will be hosting a free adventure at Toyota Field following the conclusion of the 9/11 Memorial Service. Runners can register at https://bit.ly/AUSAfunrun. Check in starts at 8 a.m.
  • Cornhole Tournament: The AUSA Redstone Huntsville will be hosting a 16-team cornhole tournament beginning at 10 a.m. Space is limited and teams must register at https://bit.ly/AUSAcornhole.
  • Softball Clinic: The USA Patriots will be hosting a free youth softball clinic from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. with stations including infield and outfield drills, pitching, hitting, and throwing. Registration is open at https://bit.ly/AUSAsoftballclinic.

Tribute Night Game

  • Gates Open: All gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Amputee Patriots and BeArded WARRIORS softball game will be seven innings and is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m.
  • T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 2,000 adults through the gates will receive a commemorative Tribute Night T-Shirt, presented by Northrop Grumman.
  • Meet and Greet: The USA Patriots softball team will be available for a meet and greet to sign autographs and take photos with fans on the concourse at Toyota Field from 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Parachute Team: Before the game, the All-Veterans Group Parachute Team will jump from the Rocket City sky and land on the field.
  • National Anthem: Sheena Collier will perform the national anthem, as a large American Flag is unfurled on the field by members of the local ROTC.
  • Tribute Night Fireworks: Following the game, a dazzling fireworks display will light up the Rocket City sky, presented by Northrop Grumman.
  • Post-Game Concert: After the fireworks, country music star and former American Idol contestant Brandon Elder will be performing live from home plate.

Trash Pandas to Host Job Fair on February 27th

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In preparation for the inaugural 2021 baseball season, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will conduct a job fair at Toyota Field on Saturday, February 27th at 10 A.M. Central.

The team is looking for candidates with great energy and enthusiasm to work during Trash Pandas home games, helping to create the best fan experience in baseball. Positions are available across all departments: Food & Beverage, Retail, Ushers, Ticket Takers, Promotions, Production, Parking, Security, and more.

Interested candidates must be at least 16 years of age with legal work status. During the job fair, applicants will be able to interview for a maximum of three (3) positions. However, if you are not hired in one of your top three positions, you may be offered a spot in another department. Each interview will take about five (5) minutes.

Applicants MUST have a completed job application prior to being interviewed. The application can be downloaded and filled out in advance HERE, and there will also be forms available on site. Job preference sheets will also be available for those interviewing for multiple positions.

CDC and Madison County COVID safety mandates will be followed at the job fair, and interviews will be conducted in a socially distant manner. Masks are required.

Trash Pandas attempt world-record food drive

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Toyota Field serves as donation site for massive philanthropic event

The Rocket City Trash Pandas recently staged one of the most successful and impactful events in the short history of the franchise. They also fell short of a much-publicized stated goal. Two things can be true at the same time. The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville,

The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville, Alabama area, are currently the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The team was slated to play their inaugural season at brand-new Toyota Field in 2020 after relocating from Mobile, Alabama (where they were known as the BayBears). Of course, COVID-19 got in the way of those plans. But like Minor League teams across the country, the Trash Pandas have dedicated themselves to staging socially-distanced events that benefit the community while keeping the club in the public eye.

On Wednesday, the Trash Pandas, alongside an army of volunteers from local philanthropic organizations, attempted to enter the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of “World’s Largest Food Drive in a 24-hour period at a single location.” The record they were trying to surpass was 559,885 pounds, achieved by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. The Trash Pandas, making a difficult task twice as challenging, attempted to break this record in half the amount of time. Wednesday’s food drive was a 12-hour affair, taking place at Toyota Field between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Lindsey Knupp, Trash Pandas vice-president of marketing, promotions and entertainment, reported on Thursday morning that the Trash Pandas had failed to enshrine themselves in the Northern Hemisphere’s (and perhaps the world’s) most prestigious record book.

“We didn’t beat the Guinness world record, but we did do very well,” she said. “There were 13 organizations that we were able to give food to. A lot of rescue missions, food banks, churches. All local organizations within 45 minutes of here. They have been running out of food, so we’re thankful we were able to do what we could.”

Minor League teams are known for making world record attempts, many of them on the absurd end of the spectrum. But very few of these attempts, be it for simultaneous bubble-gum blowing or ballpark-wide games of Duck Duck Goose, actually achieve the Guinness world record in question. This is often because Guinness, based in the United Kingdom, is notoriously strict when it comes to documentation. All involved with Wednesday’s food drive worked to ensure that their “World’s Largest Food Drive” attempt would meet Guinness standards. Cameras were set up, scales were certified and signed witness statements were collected.

The total weight of Wednesday’s Toyota Field food haul was well into the six figures. Knupp was unable to say the precise total, however, because late in the day it was determined that the record was out of reach. Weighing efforts were then abandoned, in order to prioritize the more pressing work of sorting and distribution. Throughout the day, a myriad of the Trash Pandas’ corporate partners – including Halsey Foodservice, Pepsi and Publix – provided both logistical support and food donations.

“It was all contactless. People would pop open their trunks and we’d take the food out,” said Knupp. “We had to do quality control, certify that it wasn’t outdated. Then put it on the scales, then load it into trucks and sent them off to different organizations once they were filled.”

While the Trash Pandas’ food drive was clearly a team effort, Knupp singled out local volunteer Nicole Wilson as the individual most responsible for making the event a reality. Wilson, working with Manna House, a Huntsville-based non-profit food assistance organization, approached the team with the idea and also oversaw the Guinness Book of World Records application process. Organizations like Manna House are always in need of food donations from the community, but the ongoing pandemic has made this work all the more important.

“Manna House is one of the largest distributors in North Alabama,” said Wilson, speaking to Huntsville’s WZDX at Toyota Field. “And typically for Thanksgiving for example, they would have thousands of turkeys in their freezer. Right now they only have eight– eight turkeys in their freezer.”

In promoting the World Record Food Drive, the Trash Pandas implored their fans to “Be a Souper Hero.”

“A lot of people did bring soup, a good heavy-type donation,” said Knupp. “We had crackers, pasta, rice and a lot of canned goods, for sure. Some people didn’t think about weight. We had some ramen noodle donations.”

Whether it was 10 pounds or 10 ounces, the Trash Pandas collected as much as they could to help as many as they could. The team came up light on achieving Guinness world record immortality, but Wednesday’s Toyota Field effort set a template for possibly heavier endeavors in the future.

“We’re trying to make sure our community knows we’re here for them,” said Knupp. “We’re not just here for season ticket holders, mini-plan holders, sponsors. We’re here for the entire community and we’re not going anywhere. We want to help, give back, and do good.”

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben’s Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.

World Record Food Drive Attempt To Take Place at Toyota Field

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with multiple local organizations to help feed families across North Alabama in a big way as the holiday season approaches.

On Wednesday, November 11, a Guinness World Record attempt for “Largest Food Drive in 24 Hours at a Single Location” will take place at Toyota Field. The goal of 600,000 pounds of food would eclipse the current record of 559,885 pounds, set back in 2011 in North Carolina.

The drive will run from 8 AM to 8 PM. For safety purposes, there will be a designated drive-through route to drop off non-perishable food items. Drop-offs will be contactless – food can be placed in the back seat or trunk, and volunteers will simply remove the items from the vehicle. Any size donation is encouraged and appreciated.

Cameras will be set up on site to document the donations, weigh stations, and packing of the trucks for the world record attempt. Independent witnesses will also be on hand to confirm a breaking of the record. Giveaways will take place throughout the day for those who contribute food items.

For ease of traffic flow, visitors with donations should enter Toyota Field from the west via Intergraph Road, taking a left on Lime Quarry Road and then another left onto Town Madison Blvd to arrive at the stadium.

Bees National Anthem Auditions Slated for March 7

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SALT LAKE CITY (February 6, 2020) -The Salt Lake Bees invite talented singers, groups and musicians to audition for the opportunity to perform the National Anthem before a Bees game this season. An open tryout will take place at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The audition will be first-come, first-served and is open to the public, individuals and/or small groups (eight people or fewer).

It is required that the National Anthem be sung in a cappella and traditional manner with no styling or individual musical interpretation. Audition participants should enter at the Diamond Entrance at Smith’s Ballpark to sign in. There is no need to bring résumés, photos, portfolios or recordings. Selected performers will be notified via email if they have been invited to sing the National Anthem before a Bees home game during the 2020 season.

If applicants are unable to attend the live audition, a video recording can be submitted to Caylor Tarter via email to Caylor.Tarter@slbees.com. Video submissions must be received by Thursday, March 12 to be considered for the 2020 season.

The Bees season begins on Thursday, April 9 at Smith’s Ballpark with a five-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas. Season tickets and mini plans are on sale now and single game tickets will be available at www.slbees.com starting on March 1.

WHO:               Talented singers, groups and musicians

WHAT:             National Anthem auditions for the 2020 Salt Lake Bees season

WHEN:            Saturday, March 7

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:          Smith’s Ballpark

77 West 1300 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

–slbees.com–

 

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are entering their 20th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2022 season. While with Los Angeles, Salt Lake owns five division championships and two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Smith’s Ballpark, the home of the Bees, is consistently voted as one of the best ballparks in baseball, including a Top 10 Ballpark in the United States by Better Homes and Gardens. In 2015 the Bees were awarded the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America as the top franchise in Triple-A. For more information visit www.slbees.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Elmore Sports Group, Bowie State University Form Partnership to Promote Diversity in Minor League Baseball

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San Antonio – The Elmore Sports Group, owners of the San Antonio Missions, have partnered with Bowie State University to diversify the front office staffs of its teams. The partnership is the first of its kind for Maryland’s oldest historically black university and is designed to create a college-to-career pipeline for students with an interest in a career in sport management.

Two seniors in Bowie State’s sport management program landed paid, nine-month internships with the Elmore Sports Group, which are providing them with valuable hands-on experience in their field. Dionte Johnson is a sales and game-day operations intern with the Missions while Danielle Lang has been hired as a sales/social media intern with the Inland Empire 66ers in San Bernardino, California.

“I want to own a sports facility, so starting at the bottom will teach me how everything operates, and once I know how to operate the building, I’ll be able to own the building,” said Johnson. “I’ll work my way up. Stadium operations is what I want to do. Working here gives me the opportunity to learn.”

Elmore Sports Group, a family-owned company that owns several Minor League Baseball teams and other sports clubs, has a track record of hiring collegiate interns as full-time employees. The company anticipates hosting more Bowie State interns who are ready to turn their classroom knowledge into real-world experience.

“I’d like to be able to have jobs set for our graduates in the industry, and the new relationship with Elmore Sports Group is definitely leading us in that direction,” said Dr. Joseph Spears, coordinator of Bowie State’s sport management program. “We are looking forward to working with the Elmore Sports Group over the long term in the recruiting, retention and preparation of our students.”

All Bowie State sport management students complete full-semester internships for credits during the final semester of their senior year to complete the bachelor’s degree program; in fact, about 15 students are working in industry internships each semester. While many of the graduates do find successful careers in sport management, partnerships, like the budding relationship with Elmore Sports Group, will smooth the transition for students looking to enter the field directly after graduation.

“The Elmore Sports Group is proud to partner with a great institution like Bowie State,” said DG Elmore, president of Elmore Sports Group. “Bowie State has a history of producing outstanding students who are ready to make an impact in the world of sports management. As MiLB and Elmore Sports Group seek to build diversity into the front office of Minor League teams, we hope that this partnership serves as a model for other clubs.”

 

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.