Toyota Field set to host high school baseball
MADISON – Toyota Field is primed and set to host high school baseball teams from across the Tennessee Valley beginning this Saturday when the James Clemens Jets will play two games at the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. The Jets will tangle with Russellville at 11:00 a.m. and then return to the field at 4:00 p.m. for a contest versus Hazel Green. In between those two games will be Russellville vs. Hazel Green at 1:30 p.m.
“We always enjoy going to Toyota Field to play games. The general manager, Garrett Farnham, and all the Trash Pandas staff are always so good to us. What a blessing that organization has been to our community as a whole, and the promotion of the game of baseball in North Alabama.,” said Johnny Johnson, in his eighth season as the Jets’ head coach.
The slate of three games weekend continues throughout March and early April and will include action from both Bob Jones and Madison Academy as the two Madison-based schools will go head-to-head for a single game on Monday, April 6, with first pitch at 6:00 p.m.
“It’s always exciting for our guys to get to play in a Double-A park. We are very fortunate and thankful that the Trash Pandas allow us to play there each year. It also helps prepare us for possibly playing in the state finals as it is a big park similar to where the state championship is played. We don’t do anything special to get ready for playing there. We do try to arrive a little earlier than normal so that we’re not rushed and enjoy the facility and atmosphere,” said Jared Smith, head coach of Bob Jones, who went into the 2026 season without four All-Stars, including Pitcher of the Year, all of whom graduated after reaching the Class 7A Final Four a season ago.
“We are excited to play at the stadium for the first time,” said David Pressley, 10-year head coach of the Madison Academy Mustangs.
Gates will open one hour prior to the first pitch each day. Tickets are $10 (plus tax) per day and include admission to all games played that day. Parking is free for all fans. Tickets for all high school games can be purchased at the Trash Pandas’ website.
“Our organization is proud to provide these student-athletes with the opportunity to play in a professional ballpark,” said Garrett Fahrmann, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. “For many of these players, this is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s special for the athletes, their families, and their commu- nities to create lasting memories at Toyota Field, and we’re honored to play a role in that.”
“We have always enjoyed the opportunity to compete against a great program like Bob Jones and this just makes it even better,” said Pressley, who lost four All-Star players among 12 seniors from last year’s team, including Pitcher of the Year.
“We have had a great relationship with the Trash Pandas all the way back to the stadium ribbon cutting game in 2021, to hosting tournament games for us for years, and now allowing us to host a day of games with Hazel Green and Russellville,” added Johnson.
“I know a little about Madison Academy because we played them earlier in the umpire scrimmage. I know that they had a lot of new guys getting experience that day and will be much improved when we play them in April,” said Smith of his game against the Mustangs.
2026 High School Baseball Schedule at Toyota Field includes: Saturday, March 14, 11:00 am — James Clemens vs. Russellville, 1:30 pm — Russellville vs. Hazel Green, 4:00 pm — Hazel Green vs. James Clemens; Thursday, March 19, 2:30 pm — East Limestone vs. Wellborn, 4:30 pm — Wellborn vs. Vinemont, 6:30 pm — East Limestone vs. Vinemont; Thursday, March 26, 12:00 pm — Randolph vs. Geraldine, 3:00 pm — Whitesburg Christian Academy vs. New Hope, 6:00 pm — Phil Campbell vs. Red Bay; Friday, March 27, 1:00 pm — Scottsboro vs. Albertville, 3:30 pm — Elkmont vs. Lindsay Lane; Monday, April 6, 6:00 pm — Bob Jones vs. Madison Academy.
In addition to the high school slate, Toyota Field will host two college matchups. Jacksonville State will face Alabama A&M on Wednesday, March 18 and the University of Alabama returns to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:00 pm to take on Austin Peay State University.
The Trash Pandas will open their sixth season at Toyota Field on Friday, April 3, against the Biloxi Shuckers.
