International exhibition Global Baseball Series launches at TOYOTA Field this spring

MADISON, AL – Announced today at a press conference at TOYOTA Field, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, in partnership with the TOYOTA Red Cruisers, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, announced the Global Baseball Series 2026, an international community-driven cultural exchange event.

This exhibition series brings the TOYOTA Red Cruisers—a team comprised of full-time Athlete Employees from Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan—to North Alabama. The visit serves as a bridge for cultural and educational exchange, celebrating the long-standing community partnership between Japan and the North Alabama region.

Global Baseball Series Schedule at TOYOTA Field:
Monday, March 30: TOYOTA Red Cruisers vs. Alabama A&M University
Tuesday, March 31: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. University of Alabama Huntsville
Wednesday, April 1: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. TOYOTA Red Cruisers

All games in the Global Baseball Series will feature a 6:35 pm first pitch, with gates opening at 5:30 pm. Tickets for all three games are on sale now by visiting TPTix.com.

Following the Global Baseball Series, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will open the 2026 regular season at home on Friday, April 3, hosting the Biloxi Shuckers at TOYOTA Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm, launching a three-game Opening Weekend homestand that runs through Sunday, April 5.

ABOUT THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS:

Located in Madison, Alabama, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Since the Trash Pandas took the field in 2021, 46 former Rocket City players have gone on to make their Major League debuts.

ABOUT THE TOYOTA RED CRUISERS:
The Toyota Red Cruisers are the official corporate baseball team of Toyota Motor Corporation, competing in Japan's elite industrial league system and serving as one of the nation's premier development pipelines to professional Japanese baseball and the Samurai Japan national team. Renowned for their consistent success and commitment to excellence, the Red Cruisers play a vital role in producing elite athletes capable of competing on the global stage. The program integrates advanced performance technology developed in collaboration with Toyota Research Institute, utilizing motion capture and biomechanical analytics to create customized training programs that enhance player development. This innovation-driven approach reflects Toyota's broader philosophy of precision, discipline, and continuous improvement (Kaizen).

The Red Cruisers' impact is underscored by a proven track record of international achievement, including alums selected to Samurai Japan who have competed in the World Baseball Classic and Olympic Games – earning gold medals at the highest level of international competition. Furthermore, Baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki was appointed as Special Assistant to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in 2024, and his involvement is expected to drive the further development of the Red Cruisers.

ABOUT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA:

Located in Huntsville and a partner of the Rocket City Trash Pandas since the team's inception, Toyota Alabama supplies nearly half of all Toyota engines assembled in North America. The facility, which has been a driving force in North Alabama for 25 years, has created thousands of jobs in the region while underscoring Toyota's commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Beyond the plant, Toyota is deeply committed to supporting the Huntsville community and has donated more than $24 million in support to local non-profits.

ABOUT ALABAMA A&M AND UAH:

Alabama A&M University's Bulldogs compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) under head coach Louis Whitlow, while the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers are a perennial NCAA Division II contender in the Gulf South Conference, led by head coach Hunter Royer.

Fans can secure their seats for the 2026 season with one of the Trash Pandas' 20-Game Mini Plans — the Apollo, Mercury, or Gemini Plan — each featuring six to eight fireworks nights, weekend matchups, and consistent field-level seating. Mini Plans are available now at HERE or by calling 256-325-1403. Season tickets, single-game ticket vouchers, and group ticket options are also available.