Jay Bell Named Rocket City Trash Pandas First Manager
MADISON, Alabama - January 7, 2020 -- The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced that Jay Bell, a veteran of 18 Major League seasons, has been named the team's first manager by the Los Angeles Angels.The Trash Pandas, Double-A affiliate of the Angels, begin their inaugural season in April."Reuniting Minor
MADISON, Alabama - January 7, 2020 -- The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced that Jay Bell, a veteran of 18 Major League seasons, has been named the team's first manager by the Los Angeles Angels.
The Trash Pandas, Double-A affiliate of the Angels, begin their inaugural season in April.
"Reuniting Minor League Baseball with Madison and the greater Huntsville area is thrilling," Bell said. "I am ecstatic to manage the first Trash Pandas team and cannot wait to go to work daily at Toyota Field.
"I'm excited for our new state-of-the-art facility and I am certain the fan experience here will be second to none. Although I can't promise a championship, I will promise that the players who play for Rocket City will represent the fans, city, and the Angels organization well."
Trash Pandas President and CEO Ralph Nelson, who signed Bell as a player with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998, said the Angels made an outstanding choice.
"I have known Jay for 23 years and can't think of anyone better qualified to be the manager of the Trash Pandas than he is," said Nelson. "He is unsurpassed in his knowledge of the game of baseball - both off the field and on. Importantly, he brings championship experience to our dugout.
"But personally, I am most excited for our community to learn what I've known for decades - that Jay Bell is a man of exemplary character and integrity who will lead our young players by example. He was also one of the smartest players I encountered in my 25 years in MLB. I have little doubt he will be a major league manager in the not so distant future."
Bell, who was a two-time All-Star and played for five Major League teams, was the manager for the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders, the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate in 2019, where his team won the International League Northern Division a 76-65 record. In three years as a manager in the Yankees organization his teams have been in the league playoffs each season.
The Trash Pandas also announce their inaugural coaching staff. Tim Norton comes with Jay Bell from the Yankees and will serve as Pitching Coach; Matt Spring has been named hitting coach; Derek Florko is the defensive coach; Matt Morrell, was Team Trainer last season in Mobile, and will serve the same role with Rocket City; John Hill rounds out Jay Bell's staff as Strength and Conditioning Coach.
"I'm excited about sharing my vision with the players entrusted to me this season. I have high expectations for them and my staff," Bell said. "We will work hard, play hard, and will constantly seek excellence."
"As a former All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and World Series champion, Jay brings to the Angels organization a tremendous level of experience and knowledge from his playing and coaching career," said Los Angeles Angels General Manager Billy Eppler; "We are excited about the leadership that he will bring to our club in Rocket City and look forward to having him lead the Trash Pandas in their inaugural season."
Bell played for the Cleveland Indians (1986-88), Pittsburgh Pirates (1989-96), Kansas City Royals (1997), Diamondbacks (1998-2002), and New York Mets (2003).
With the Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series, Bell scored the winning run in Game 7 against the Yankees and, as he crossed home plate, he jumped into Matt Williams' arms - an iconic moment forever enshrined in the team's history.
In his career, Bell hit .265 with 1,964 hits and scored 1.123 runs. He had 195 home runs and 860 RBI to go with 394 doubles, 67 triples and 91 stolen bases.
He was named to the National League All-Star team in 1993 (Pirates) and 1999 (Diamondbacks).
With the Pirates in 1993, Bell won the National League Gold Glove, breaking a streak of 13 straight NL Gold Gloves at shortstop won by Ozzie Smith. He also won the Silver Slugger award in 1993, when he hit .310 and had a .983 fielding percentage with just 11 errors on 794 chances, turning 100 double plays with 567 assists.
His first managerial job was with the Class A (Advanced) Tampa Yankees in 2017. Later that year, he was named manager of the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
He was promoted to manager of the Yankees' Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder in 2018.
In 2012, he served as the hitting coach for the Mobile BayBears, then the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bell serves as a member of the advisory board of the Baseball Assistance Team, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping former Major League, Minor League, and Negro League players though financial and medical difficulties.
Bell and Laura, his wife of 33 years, have three children - Brianna, Brantley, Brock; and two grandchildren, Zane and Zahra. Their sons, Brantley and Brock play baseball professionally - Brantley for the Reds and Brock for the Red Sox.
The Trash Pandas open the 2020 Southern League season April 9 at the Birmingham Barons for a five-game series. They make their Toyota Field debut April 15 when the Mississippi Braves visit.
"I am very fond of the Southern League, am thankful to be part of this new chapter in its history and am thrilled to be spending my summer in the great state of Alabama," Bell said.
Lookouts' gaffe, Guzman's blast lifts Rocket City to 7-5 win
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-27) secured a 7-5 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-21) on Thursday night at AT&T Field, snapping their four-game losing streak. The win featured home runs from Josh Crouch and Denzer Guzman, along with five unearned runs scored in the sixth inning.
Homestand Highlights: May 27 - June 1 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Biloxi Shuckers, May 27 – June 1. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Tuesday, May 27 | First Pitch: 6:35
Toyota Field welcomes summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages
MADISON, Ala. – Toyota Field is thrilled to welcome summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages. Kicking off today at 4:00 pm, the Trash Pandas will host The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair and Yoga in the Outfield. Other upcoming events include the rescheduled Rocket City Spring
Big Ol' Ballpark Fair returns to Toyota Field, May 15-25
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with Kissel Entertainment for the sixth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair in the Toyota Field parking lot from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 25. The Fair will be closed on Monday, May 19. Similar to previous years, the Big
Trash Pandas Unveil Two New Alternate Identities: The Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce
MADISON, Ala. – Barbecue in Alabama isn't just food—it's part of our identity. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce two new alternate identities for 2025, the Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce! The identities will be unleashed and the team will wear these specialty uniforms during a
Lookouts blank Trash Pandas 3-0 on Wednesday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On Wednesday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-27) were shut out for the second time this season, losing 3-0 to the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-20) at AT&T Field. This defeat marks the Trash Pandas' fourth consecutive loss, with the Lookouts winning the series' first two games. Wednesday's game
Pandas fall in rain-shortened series opener in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-26) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (19-20) in a rain-shortened game, with a final score of 7-1 in Tuesday's series opener at AT&T Field. The game was halted after seven innings at 8:04 pm CT and officially called at 9:35 pm due
Moore, Rada extend streaks, but Pandas drop series finale in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-25) concluded the first leg of their 12-game road trip, suffering a 5-1 loss to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (23-16) on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. In the loss, Nelson Rada walked, extending his on-base streak to 10 games, and recorded
Farris deals a quality start, but Trash Pandas fall 3-1 to Wahoos
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (22-16) defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-24) 3-1 on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium, limiting the Trash Pandas to just four hits. Rocket City starter Mitch Farris (L, 0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, despite allowing only one earned
Guzman doubles Trash Pandas to 4-2 Friday night win in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Denzer Guzman's three-run double in the fifth inning led the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-23) to a 4-2 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-16) on Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. This win evened the series at 2-2, heading into the weekend. The Rocket City bullpen
Blue Wahoos use five-run sixth inning to beat Trash Pandas 9-6
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-15) overcame three deficits and scored five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Rocket City Trash Pandas (11-23) 9-6 on Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Denzer Guzman led the Rocket City offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Hurtado dominates in Rocket City's 9-0 shutout of Wahoos on Wednesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket Trash Pandas (11-22) received a dominant pitching performance from Joel Hurtado (W, 3-2), shutting out the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-15) on Wednesday morning by a score of 9-0 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. José Quijada and Camden Minacci combined with Hurtado for the four-hit shutout, the first
Errors prove costly in 3-2 extra-inning loss in Pensacola on Tuesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket City Trash Pandas (10-22) lost 3-2 in 11 innings to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-14) in the opener of a six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Three costly errors contributed to the defeat, as all three runs scored by Pensacola were unearned. Rocket City dropped to
Rada, Trash Pandas win series finale over Biscuits on Mother's Day
MADISON, Ala. – The Trash Pandas were four outs away from being swept at home by the Montgomery Biscuits before a two-out, two-run single from centerfielder Nelson Rada in the sixth inning propelled the home team to a 7-5 win in game two of a doubleheader. Rocket City dropped game
Trash Pandas and Biscuits postponed on Saturday, doubleheader scheduled for Sunday
MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Montgomery Biscuits has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a Sunday, May 11, doubleheader at Toyota Field featuring two seven-inning games. Game one starts at 12:05 p.m., and game
José Quijada joins Trash Pandas pitching staff, Travis Blankenhorn placed on IL
MADISON, Ala. – On Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels announced two roster moves that impacted the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran left-handed reliever José Quijada was reinstated from the Triple-A Salt Lake Development List and transferred to Rocket City. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has been placed on the 7-day Injured
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: May 6-11 vs. Montgomery Biscuits
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their third homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Tampa Bay Rays affiliate Montgomery Biscuits, May 6-11. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Tuesday, May 6 | First Pitch: 6:05 pm |
Trash Pandas salute Armed Forces, fall 4-1 to Biscuits on Friday
MADISON, Ala. – For the fourth straight night, the Montgomery Biscuits (17-13) defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-20), this time by a final of 4-1. The Trash Pandas used Friday to salute our military with SAIC Armed Forces Night, welcoming 5,475 fans into Toyota Field. The Biscuits started their
Veteran pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway join Trash Pandas roster
MADISON, Ala. – On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels announced three roster moves that affected the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran right-handed pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway have joined the Trash Pandas roster from the ACL Angels, and in a corresponding move, RHP Ryan Costeiu has been transferred to
Ketchup homers, but Biscuits stop Pandas' win streak on Tuesday
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-17) returned to Toyota Field on Tuesday night, but their three-game winning streak came to an end with a 3-2 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits (14-13). In the loss, Sam Brown had another big night offensively, reaching base safely three times and
Trash Pandas take series from Smokies with doubleheader sweep on Sunday
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After back-to-back rainouts on Friday and Saturday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-16) swept a doubleheader against the Knoxville Smokies (12-13) on Sunday afternoon, winning 6-3 and 8-2 at Covenant Health Park. Sam Brown led the offense, going 5-for-8 with two triples, two doubles, and four RBIs,
Saturday night's game between Trash Pandas and Smokies canceled due to rain
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Saturday’s game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Knoxville Smokies at Covenant Health Park has been canceled due to rain. Since a doubleheader is scheduled for Sunday, this game will not be made up, as the teams do not meet again in the first half
Trash Pandas postponed by rain in Knoxville on Friday night
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Knoxville Smokies at Covenant Health Park on Friday night has been postponed due to rain. The Smokies announced late Friday night that a doubleheader has been scheduled for Sunday, starting at 11:30 am CT. The doubleheader will
Aldegheri tosses 7.0 shutout innings as Pandas beat Smokies 5-3
KNOXVILLE, Tenn – Sam Aldegheri (W, 1-1) tossed 7.0 shutout innings, allowing only five hits, as the Rocket City Trash Pandas (7-16) kicked off May with a 5-3 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (12-11) at Covenant Health Park on Thursday night. The game featured two starting pitchers named Sam, both