Former Rocket City Trash Panda promoted to MLB level by Los Angeles Angels

(Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas)

A former Rocket City Trash Pandas star who spent portions of multiple seasons with the team will become the 51st former player to make their Major League debut after being called up by the Los Angeles Angels.

Right-hander Brett Kerry — who spent parts of four seasons with Rocket City from 2021-24 — left the team as one of the most accomplished players in its history.

Ranking first all-time among Trash Pandas pitchers in wins (13), innings pitched (292.1), strikeouts (310), and starts (49), Kerry posted a 3.76 ERA during his time in Madison.

He has climbed the ranks and spent the 2026 season with Triple-A Salt Lake and has recorded 59 strikeouts over 62.1 innings pitched.

Originally a native of North Carolina, Kerry was a standout star at South Carolina before being drafted by the Angels organization in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Without a doubt, Trash Pandas super fans who pay attention to their favorite players at the next level will be watching Los Angeles closely this week, as Kerry made his first big league strikeout Wednesday, with hopefully many more to come.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for 256 Today and Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

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