TRASH PANDAS TIMELINE
installed. The Trash Pandas surpass $2 million in merchandise sales, while home plate field box seats, foul poles, and the Kids Zone are completed. January 31, 2020: Jay Bell is named the first manager in franchise history. March 14, 2020: Toyota Field opens to the public for the first time, and single-game tickets go on sale. March 18, 2020: The Trash Pandas front office closes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. May 4, 2020: The front office returns to Toyota Field to begin planning for the summer as the season remains uncertain. June 1, 2020: The Trash Pandas host their first event after the shutdown with a week-long Kids Camp.
October 17, 2017: The Southern League approves the sale of the Mobile BayBears to BallCorps LLC, setting the stage for a future move to Madison. November 17, 2017: BallCorps LLC officially closes on the purchase of the Mobile BayBears. January 9, 2018: The Madison City Council signs an agreement with BallCorps LLC for a $46 million multi-use stadium. May 30, 2018: The Southern League approves the relocation of the Mobile BayBears to Madison, beginning with the 2020 season. June 9, 2018: Nearly 2,000 people attend the stadium’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Town Madison development site. September 5, 2018: After more than 28,000 votes in a “Name the Team” contest, BallCorps LLC announces the new identity: the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
June 6, 2020: The team hosts its first public event, a Block Party at Toyota Field, drawing approximately 1,500 fans. June 17, 2020: The first baseball games at any level are played at Toyota Field during the Rocket City Classic, featuring 15 travel teams over five days. The first game is played between Viper Baseball Academy and 43. June 30, 2020: The inaugural 2020 season is officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. February 12, 2021: The Trash Pandas sign a Player Development License with the Los Angeles Angels, securing the affiliation through 2030. April 1, 2021: The team surpasses $4 million in merchandise sales. May 7, 2021: Orlando Martinez belts three home runs in just the fourth game in franchise history, becoming the first Trash Pandas player to accomplish the feat. May 5, 2021: T he Trash Pandas play the first game in franchise history after a rainout the previous day. David MacKinnon records the first hit and scores the first run, though Rocket City falls 6–1 to Chattanooga. May 11, 2021: A sold-out crowd of 7,500 attends the first home game at Toyota Field, a 4–3 extra- inning loss to Tennessee.
October 23, 2018: The first concrete is poured for the stadium. Hundreds of fans gather at Dublin Park in Madison for a logo reveal celebration. November 2018: The Trash Pandas open the Emporium at Bridge Street Town Centre for the holiday season, setting Minor League Baseball merchandise sales records before closing at year’s end. May 2019: The team surpasses $1 million in merchandise sales. June 29, 2019: The Trash Pandas unveil their team uniforms at Big Spring Park in Huntsville in front of several hundred fans. August 8, 2019: The Trash Pandas announce their initial front office staff, led by General Manager Garrett Fahrmann. August 2019: The Trash Pandas release their inaugural season schedule and mission logo. October 29, 2019: The first seat is installed at Toyota Field. Sod is laid for the berm, infield, and outfield, and the Toyota Field naming ceremony is held. November 2019: The final concrete pour is completed, and the team’s mascot, Sprocket, is officially named. December 2019: The center-field batter’s eye is
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