MADISON, AL – The Rocket City Trash Pandas received Minor League Baseball's 2026 Golden Bobblehead Award for Best Local Partner Activation for the Global Baseball Series, a three-day showcase that brought Japan's Toyota Red Cruisers to Toyota Field and connected North Alabama's baseball, business, and cultural communities.
The award was presented this morning at the 2026 MiLB Business Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. The Golden Bobblehead Awards recognize outstanding promotional activities and events across Minor League Baseball.
"This award celebrates our partnership with Toyota and the hard work of our staff, including the extraordinary efforts of Morris Morioka," said Garrett Fahrmann, Trash Pandas executive vice president and general manager. "It's another proud moment following our Baseball America honor and first Southern League championship."
Held March 30 through April 1, the Global Baseball Series was the first preseason series hosted by the Trash Pandas and marked the first appearance by an international team at Toyota Field. Developed with Toyota Alabama and Toyota North America, the event brought together the Red Cruisers, Alabama A&M University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Trash Pandas for three nights of baseball and cultural exchange.
The partnership extended throughout the ballpark experience. Fans enjoyed Japanese-style cheering featuring drums and trumpets during play, traditional Japanese drum and dance performances, and an appearance by the Red Cruisers' mascot, who traveled from Japan. Specially designed Global Baseball Series caps and specialty rice balls added to the celebration.
Before the April 1 finale, Trash Pandas and Toyota executives participated in a ceremonial cherry blossom tree planting. The tree and a permanent commemorative plaque remain at Toyota Field as lasting symbols of the partnership. Pregame ceremonies featured the national anthems of Japan and the United States and a presentation of both countries' flags, using the same flags flown at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. A charity auction also supported the local Japanese Garden Foundation.
The three-game showcase opened with the Red Cruisers' 13-3 victory over Alabama A&M on March 30, followed by the Trash Pandas' win over UAH on March 31. Rocket City closed the series with a 6-3 victory over the Red Cruisers before 4,355 fans on April 1, highlighted by two home runs from Tucker Flint.
The Red Cruisers are Toyota Motor Corporation's corporate baseball team in Japan, with a roster of full-time athlete-employees competing in the country's industrial league system. Their visit gave North Alabama fans an opportunity to experience Japanese baseball traditions while celebrating Toyota's long-standing connection to the region.
The Golden Bobblehead adds to a growing list of accomplishments for the Trash Pandas, both on and off the field. In 2025, Baseball America recognized Rocket City as its Double-A Organization of the Year with the prestigious Bob Freitas Award. This September, the Trash Pandas captured their first Southern League championship, capping a memorable 2026 season that now includes national recognition for the Global Baseball Series and the organization's commitment to creating meaningful experiences for its fans and community.
ABOUT THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS
Owned and operated by BallCorps, LLC, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are the proud Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the Southern League. The Trash Pandas play at state-of-the-art Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama. The organization's mission is to unite its communities by creating positive and lasting memories, one experience at a time.