Trash Pandas hit the internet with virtual games, social media campaigns

MADISON – With the status of the 2020 inaugural season currently on hold, the Rocket City Trash Pandas have started up multiple digital campaigns to stay in communication with fans.

The Trash Pandas, along with numerous other Minor League organizations, have taken advantage of the full library of MiLB teams and rosters in the ‘MLB The Show 20’ video game. The first simulated game against the Mississippi Braves was called by broadcaster Josh Caray, featured a six-run comeback victory ending in a walk-off, and totaled nearly 700 viewers.

The next ‘MLB The Show’ broadcast will take place this Saturday, April 25, at 6:05 p.m. on the Trash Pandas YouTube channel. Caray will again be on the microphone for play-by-play, with a special guest appearances from manager Jay Bell and other organization partners.

Three episodes of the “Panda Shopping Network” have been released so far, which featured promotions manager and on-field emcee Ricky Fernandez showcasing various Trash Pandas merchandise on a QVC-style program. All items on the shows are available for purchase at shoptrashpandas.com.

The Hometown Series presented by Bill Penney Toyota is a showcase of the places and faces that make up the greater North Alabama area. While fans live all over the globe, the Hometown Series is a representation of those who reside closest and will be seen most at Toyota Field – the soul of Trash Pandas baseball. Florence, Athens, Decatur, and Muscle Shoals have been featured so far with more on the way.

For the younger audience, Trash Panda Tales presented by WOW! features front office staff members reading aloud their favorite children’s books. With families now in the process of educating at home, the goal is to provide opportunities for young ones to connect with the team through positive learning experiences. Additionally, the mascot Sprocket has frequently made guest appearances in virtual classrooms of local schools to greet students.

The newest social media campaign, the Trash Pandas Concert Series presented by Inline Electric, spotlights local musicians as they perform live on the RCTP Facebook page.

Country artist Alyssa Palmer, who has begun recording in Nashville, provided the inaugural show last week – a clip of her singing “Sweet Home Alabama” was shared by Minor League Baseball and has nearly 10,000 views.

Muscle Shoals’ own Tim Cannon is the next artist in the series, with more on the schedule. Concerts takes place each Friday at 7 p.m.