Andy Schatzley, Eric Torres Earn Southern League Honors
After leading Rocket City Trash Pandas to the top record in the Southern League, two members of the 2022 squad have been recognized for their achievements. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced that Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley was named Southern League Manager of the Year and closer Eric Torres
After leading Rocket City Trash Pandas to the top record in the Southern League, two members of the 2022 squad have been recognized for their achievements.
On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced that Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley was named Southern League Manager of the Year and closer Eric Torres was named to the Southern League All-Star team as the league’s best reliever. Both winners were selected in a vote by the eight Southern League managers.
“This award is a reflection of the work we were able to do as a group,” Schatzley said. “I’m grateful to have had a chance to be a part of this staff, and extremely grateful for everything our players did and continue to do.”
The honor is the first in the professional career for both Schatzley and Torres, as Torres becomes the second Trash Pandas player to be named a Southern League All-Star after third baseman Mitch Nay became the first All-Star in the 2021 season.
In his second season as a professional manager, Schatzley guided the Trash Pandas to an 81-57 record, ending the regular season as both first and second half division champions while finishing with the second-best record in all of Double-A as the Trash Pandas reached the playoffs for the first time. The Trash Pandas were even better at Toyota Field, finishing with a home record of 49-20 for the most home wins in Minor League Baseball.
Schatzley, 38, becomes the first Trash Pandas manager to earn the award, which was previously won four times by Huntsville Stars managers, most recently by Don Money in 2007.
Pitching in his first full professional season, Torres became one of Schatzley’s biggest weapons out of the Rocket City bullpen. Over 42 relief outings in the regular season, Torres went 2-2 with a 1.59 ERA, allowing just nine earned runs over 51.0 innings while striking out 81 and recording 22 saves in 23 opportunities. He also pitched in two playoff games for the Trash Pandas, giving up one run over three innings with four strikeouts.
“It’s extremely well deserved for Eric. It’s beyond impressive to have the season he had at any point in his career,” Schatzley said of Torres. “To do it in his first full professional season is even more impressive. I can’t think of anybody as deserving of this honor of Eric.”
Torres’ 22 saves led the Southern League and set a new Angels Double-A record, topping the previous high of 21 set by Jose Musset for Midland in 1993. His 81 strikeouts ranked third among Southern League relievers and 35 of his 42 regular season outings were scoreless in a terrific season for the 23-year-old.
Currently ranked as the Angels’ number 28 prospect by MLB.com, Torres finished the first no-hitter in Trash Pandas history on September 3, firing a scoreless ninth inning with three strikeouts to complete an 8-0 win over Biloxi at Toyota Field. He was originally selected by the Angels in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Kansas State University.
The Trash Pandas return for the third season in franchise history in 2023, with Opening Night set for Thursday, April 6 against the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Hiroshi "Morris" Morioka joins Trash Pandas staff as Senior Manager of Promotions and Entertainment
MADISON, Ala – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the addition of Hiroshi "Morris" Morioka as the club's Senior Manager of Promotions and Entertainment for the 2025 season. Originally from Okayama, Japan, Morris brings over a decade of unique experience gained from working with professional basketball and
Toyota Field To Host Spring Tune-Up Car Show & Classic Car Day
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce two upcoming events for automotive enthusiasts at Toyota Field. Classic Car Day is on April 27, and the Rocket City Spring Tune-Up is on May 3. Classic Car Day will be Sunday, April 27, at 2:35 pm as
14 Trash Pandas, plus broadcaster Josh Caray preparing for Angels Spring Break out game against Cubs on Saturday
Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced on MLB Network the Los Angeles Angels roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with 14 Rocket City Trash Pandas named to the roster. The Angels’ top prospects will compete on Saturday, March 15 at 8:05 pm CT against the top prospects
Trash Pandas partner with Angels to launch "Trash Panda For a Day Program"
MADISON, Ala. — The Trash Panda For a Day program is launching this season in partnership with the LA Angels and with an exciting initiative to support youth in the community. Each month, one elementary or middle school student will have the opportunity to spend a day with the Trash
Harris to join Trash Pandas Broadcast Team for 2025
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are pleased to announce the addition of Southern League veteran Chris Harris to its broadcast booth. The two-time winner of the Southern League’s Broadcaster of the Year will partner with Director of Broadcasting Josh Caray for the 2025 season. “I am thrilled
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
MADISON, Alabama — In conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rocket City Trash Pandas today unveiled the 2025 on-field coaching staff, led by returning Manager Andy Schatzley. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to return to the Trash Pandas and be a part of best-run affiliate in Minor League
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner on April 1
MADISON, Ala. — Exciting news! You can now grab your chance to meet the 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas before Opening Night. Tickets for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner are officially on sale! The annual dinner will take place at Toyota Field on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They