• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Trash Pandas To Open Home Season May 11 With Outstanding Coaching Staff
    Business, FRONT PAGE FEATURED, Lifestyles, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Sports, Z - News Main
     By  Bob Labbe Published 
    6:41 pm Friday, March 12, 2021

    Trash Pandas To Open Home Season May 11 With Outstanding Coaching Staff

    MADISON- With the 2021 season fast approaching for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the usual banter of baseball is officially underway with the naming of the complete coaching staff for the inaugural season of the Double-A team of the Los Angeles Angels.

    The parent team recently named the coaching staff for the Trash Pandas starting with manager Jay Bell who was scheduled to lead the team in 2020 before the season was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 18-year Major League Baseball veteran first became a Minor League manager in 2017 in the New York Yankees’ organization. Bell was also a hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates and bench coach for the Cincinnati Reds prior to his move to the manager’s position.

    The 2021 coaching staff for the Trash Pandas includes a combined 26 years of Major League playing experience and 21 seasons of managing and coaching in the pro ranks. Those chosen have a wide variety of experiences to utilize in their coaching of the Trash Pandas including a worker in a bat company, SEC strength and conditioning coach and a U.S. Military Veteran.

    Hitting Coach: Kenny Hook, he spent the last six seasons with the Texas Rangers organization. Prior to his stint with the Rangers, he coached in the independent American Association. His playing time in the professional ranks came in the Minor Leagues.

    Pitching Coach: Michael Wuertz, is in his fifth season as a coach after playing eight seasons in the Major Leagues including five with the Chicago Cubs and three with the Oakland A’s. He played in 426 games as a relief pitcher.

    Defensive Coach: Derek Florko, is in his third season with the Angels and comes to the professional ranks through an unusual way. He never played baseball professionally, but instead, has had praise for his work in both college and high school organizations and he is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute for his expert biomechanics teaching of swinging motions in both baseball and golf. He was the Manager of Hitting for AXE Batting Company, which just happens to manufacture bats for many Major League players.

    Strength & Conditioning Coach: Jon Hill, he was scheduled to be on board with the Trash Pandas last season after spending 2019 in Mobile. Prior to being with the Angels, he spent three years with the University of Kentucky football team in the strength and conditioning training portion of the Wildcats. Hitting close to home is the fact he served in the U.S. Army and Federal Government for 13 years including active duty in the Iraq War as a counterintelligence agent.

    Athletic Trainer: Tusuke Takahashi, is in his fourth season in professional baseball.

    The Rocket City Trash Pandas has been set to be among the 120 affiliated teams in the revamped structure of Minor League Baseball in what is now being named the “Professional Development League” and has a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The Trash Pandas will be in the eight-team Double-A South League along with teams in Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Biloxi, Montgomery, Pensacola and Jackson, Miss.

    The 2021 season will begin on the road in Chattanooga for the Trash Pandas as they face the Lookouts May 4-9. The expected home-opener for the new team will be held Tuesday, May 11, against the Tennessee (Knoxville) Smokies at Toyota Field. First-pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. with game giveaway a Toyota Field replica. The event will also feature a spectacular fireworks show. The complete 2021 schedule will consist of 120 games with 60 home dates. Ticket information is available on the Trash Pandas’ website: trashpandasbaseball.com.

    The baseball organization is also looking for a “few good organizations” to enhance the concessions department at Toyota Field while help generate revenue to assist their own organization. Local groups are encouraged to register to assist the concessions at the Trash Pandas games while earning money for those groups in a win-win situation. Contact the Trash Pandas for all the details.

    To help get the excitement at a high-pitch level to start the first season of Trash Pandas baseball, be sure to tune in The Josh Caray Show and It’s Ricky Fernandez podcasts at trashpandasbaseball.com. That’s where you can find out the up-to-date latest within the Trash Pandas and all of baseball.

    Also on The Madison Record
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Gregg Parker 
    June 11, 2025
    MADISON - Madeline Harper was so determined to achieve the Silver Award in Girl Scouts that she decided to set a world record to reach it. Madeline is...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 11, 2025
    MADISON - As an educator, Karen Price constantly strives ‘to do the right thing’ for students with honesty, kindness and sincerity. Liberty Middle Sch...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    KADIE VICK kadie@themadisonrecord.com 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON - The Huntsville Committee of 100 Young Professionals is holding a Let’s Vote Madison Event on June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Old Black Bear Brewi...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Gregg Parker 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON – Following a 24-year tradition, Rotary Club of Madison collaborated with City of Madison officials to identify Madison Employees of the Year....
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Liberty student selected for National Honor Choir
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Liberty student selected for National Honor Choir
    Gregg Parker 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON – Tejas Iyer at Liberty Middle School was selected by blind audition to perform with the prestigious National Honor Choir. “I was the only stu...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    Gregg Parker 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON – A musical artist whose creativity led to a book of poetry, along with an expert in a game that was the rage during the Roaring Twenties, wil...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    Two Space Camp alumnae on board
    Staff Reports 
    May 30, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE – The U. S. Space & Rocket Center is celebrating the launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard-32 mission with a blue-themed launch party Saturda...
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    Business, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    Staff Reports 
    May 29, 2025
    MADISON - Main Street Alabama continues to expand its statewide reach by selecting the City of Madison for Designation this year, and both Main Street...

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    MADISON - Madeline Harper was so determined to achieve the Silver Award in Girl Scouts that she decided to set a world record to reach it. Madeline is...
    June 11, 2025
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON - As an educator, Karen Price constantly strives ‘to do the right thing’ for students with honesty, kindness and sincerity. Liberty Middle Sch...
    June 11, 2025
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    MADISON - The Huntsville Committee of 100 Young Professionals is holding a Let’s Vote Madison Event on June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Old Black Bear Brewi...
    June 4, 2025
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    MADISON – Following a 24-year tradition, Rotary Club of Madison collaborated with City of Madison officials to identify Madison Employees of the Year....
    June 4, 2025
    Liberty student selected for National Honor Choir
    Liberty student selected for National Honor Choir
    MADISON – Tejas Iyer at Liberty Middle School was selected by blind audition to perform with the prestigious National Honor Choir. “I was the only stu...
    June 4, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    Rainbow Elementary honors counselor as Teacher of the Year
    Rainbow Elementary honors counselor as Teacher of the Year
    MADISON – After receiving her honor as “Teacher of the Year,” Alicia Smith was motivated to continue advocating for emotional and academic well-being ...
    May 28, 2025
    Mill Creek selects Kevin Long as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Mill Creek selects Kevin Long as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    MADISON – Sometimes, when one door closes, another door actually does open. Just ask Kevin Long, who is “Staff Member of the Year” at Mill Creek Eleme...
    May 28, 2025
    Madison Elementary Staff Member of the Year thinks library is magical place
    Madison Elementary Staff Member of the Year thinks library is magical place
    MADISON – Cindy Petrucka believes an elementary school library, which is her workplace, is a magical place. Petrucka is “Staff Member of the Year” at ...
    May 28, 2025
    Erica White announces run for Madison City Council, District 6
    Erica White announces run for Madison City Council, District 6
    MADISON – Local resident and business owner Erica White has announced her intention to run for Madison City Council, District 6 in the August 26 munic...
    May 27, 2025
    Brooke Forsythe’s skilled care leads to ‘Employee of the Month’
    Brooke Forsythe’s skilled care leads to ‘Employee of the Month’
    MADISON – A coworker’s nomination described Brooke Forsythe as always placing patients first and advocating for their care. Forsythe is “Employee of t...
    May 27, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    MADISON – Bob Jones has left little margin for error as it seeks to repeat as Class 7A state baseball champions. The Patriots, however, have done just...
    May 7, 2025
    Mustangs advance in Class 5A state playoffs
    Mustangs advance in Class 5A state playoffs
    NORTHPORT – With a handful of senior leaders and a mission of retribution, Madison Academy set sail on the 2025 baseball season toward the promised la...
    May 7, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record