As part of the modernized Minor League baseball system, the Rocket City Trash Pandas have officially accepted their invitation as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.

This new “Professional Development League” license is a 10-year contract with the Angels organization, and sets the Trash Pandas as one of the 120 affiliated clubs in the revamped structure. Rocket City is in the eight-team Double-A South league with Birmingham, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Biloxi, Mississippi, Montgomery and Pensacola.

“We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship as members of the Angels family,” said Trash Pandas President & CEO Ralph Nelson. “We can’t wait to finally bring professional baseball back in North Alabama in 2021.

“We’ve been working more than three years on developing a one-of-a-kind fan experience at Toyota Field, and are excited to be part of the elite player development system of the Los Angeles Angels.”

With all 120 Minor League Clubs now signed, more announcements are upcoming, including the release of the Trash Pandas’ inaugural schedule and field staff. Ticket policies, safety procedures, and promotions are in the works, as well.

“We are excited to unveil this new model, which not only provides a pipeline to the Majors, but continues the Minor Leagues’ tradition of entertaining millions of families in hundreds of communities,” said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “We look forward to demonstrating the best of our game throughout local communities, supporting all those who are working hard to grow the sport, and sharing unrivaled technology and resources with minor league teams and players.”