Negro Leagues tribute among Rocket City homestand themes

MADISON – The Rocket City Trash Pandas, coming off a series win over first-place Birmingham, return to Toyota Field for their fifth homestand of the Southern League season with a six-game set against the Chattanooga Lookouts beginning Tuesday.

Sunday, the Trash Pandas rallied for four runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Barons 5-4 and win the series 4-2. Also, the Los Angeles Angels recalled right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce from Rocket City. Joyce made a team-high 18 appearances for the Trash Pandas in 2024, finishing with a 4.26 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.

Joyce becomes the second Trash Pandas player this season to be assigned to the Angels straight from Double-A alongside infielder Kyren Paris.

Rocket City (26-25) and Chattanooga (14-37, Cincinnati Reds) play for the first time in Madison this season. Among the highlights presented at Toyota Field is a Negro Leagues tribute and Cat Rescue Night.

Fans are invited to bring their cat to the ballpark for Cat Rescue Night on Thursday. This will be fans’ only opportunity this season to take their cats to the ballgame. Similar to Dog Days, fans must fill out a waiver form which can be found here: CAT NIGHT WAIVER. 

Cats will only be allowed in designated areas. This includes between both outfield foul poles and the Inline Electric Rock Porch. Tickets in the Berm will be $8 and sections 1 and 2 will be $16.

Pets must be leashed or in a secured carrying case and may not be left unattended. Fans are also required to pick up after their cats and dispose of all waste. 

There will also be a pet supplies drive sponsored by Cattyshack, where fans are encouraged to donate pet supplies. For each item donated, fans will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Trash Pandas autographed baseball. Cats will be available for adoption at the game.

Pete the Cat will appear during the game and be available for photos throughout the game. 

Homestand highlights:

• Tuesday  
  Gates Open:  All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Mental Health Awareness Night: Help us raise awareness for mental health sponsored by Wellstone.
  Player of the Month Award Presentation: Prior to the game, we will be presenting the Trash Pandas Player of the Month award to one of our top performers from the past month.
  Reeds Jewelers Ladies Night: Ladies have the chance to win great prizes throughout the game and all fans 21 & older can enjoy $5 wine specials. Fans can purchase five (2 oz) samples with a sampling glass for $25.

• Wednesday
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Sprocket Pen/Pencil Holder Giveaway: Will be given to the first 1,500 adults (18+) sponsored by Crestwood.
  Employee of the Month Presentation: We will be honoring our selections for Employee of the Month from May 2024 before the game.
  Dog Day: This is the first Dog Day of the season sponsored by Tito’s! Fans can bring their four-legged friend to the ballpark. For more information on Dog Days in 2024: Dog Days 2024

• Thursday
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5 p.m. VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Cat Rescue Night: Fans can bring their cats to the ballpark for the only time this season and look forward to an appearance from Pete the Cat! To bring your cat into the ballpark, the following waiver must be filled out: CAT NIGHT WAIVER
  Pet Supplies Drive: This is one of four collection drives the Trash Pandas will host this season as fans are invited to donate pet supplies. For each item donated, fans will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Trash Pandas autographed baseball.
  Extended Happy Hour: Fans 21 and older can get $3 domestic drafts from 5-7 p.m., available at the Inline Electric Rock Porch and the Fueling Station next to Bandito’s in the Bill Penney Plaza.

• Friday
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Friday Night Fireworks: Stick around after the game for a fireworks show that will light up the night, presented by Axient.

• Saturday
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Saturday Night Fireworks: Fans of all ages can enjoy a post-game firework show, presented by Bill Penney Toyota.
  Pre-Game Kickback: Featuring a Dad’s Night Out presentation at SportsMED Stadium Club to discuss mental health, self-care and fatherhood from 4:30-5 p.m.. Beginning at 5 p.m, enjoy happy hour at the Inline Electric Rock Porch (Uncle Nearest Bourbon Lemonade from 5- 6:30 p.m.) with a DJ, food truck, whisky tasting and a local artist who will showcase artwork and finish a painting on site.
  Negro League Tribute Night: Fans will have the opportunity to meet and receive autographs former Negro League players during the game.

• Sunday
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 3 p.m. VIP Gates open at 2:30 p.m. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m.
  Pickleball Night: Arrive early to play pickleball in the outfield experience! Fans will be able to purchase pickleball paddles to play, learn the game rules, meet local players and learn more about upcoming events in the area.
  Kids Run the Bases: All kids are invited to run the bases after the game, presented by Listerhill Credit Union.

Third round of rotating food specials

• Dumpster Dive
  The Sweet & Sticky Dinger
  Pickle Brined Chicken Breast Fried Golden Brown, tossed in House Made Dinger Sauce, topped with Crispy Bacon Strips, American Cheese and stuffed between two Toasted Waffles

• Gravity Grill
  Spicy Cheddar CBR Sammie
  Lightly Toasted House Jalapeno Cheddar Bun, Golden Fried Pickle Brined Chicken Breast, Sliced Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon and House Made Sammie Sauce

• All Stars
  The Landfill
  Pickle Fries with Fried Spicy Cheese Curds, Conecuh Sausage Bites and Wax Pepper tossed in Cajun/Blackened Seasoning

• Sprocket’s Grill
  The Grand Slam
  Bacon Wrapped all Beef Hot Dog, Lightly Toasted Brioche Bun, topped with Jalapeno Pimento Mac & Cheese, Rough Chopped Crispy Bacon and finished with Roasted Garlic and Paprika Aioli