MADISON, Ala — For the first time in their short history, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are playoff bound.
"Just to see everything come to fruition, it's awesome just to be with this group of guys and try to win a championship," said Pandas pitcher Kolton Ingram.
On Monday morning, the team was sent off to their first round playoff series with cheers and applause from fans and the Pandas' front office.
Rocket City won the Southern League (AA) North division first and second half crowns and finished with the best overall record in the league.
"When you're competing and fighting during the regular season, you're trying to extend the window that you have together, and so another week to be able to compete together, another week to be able to pursue goals together and hopefully grow together is really all you can ask for," said Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley.
The Pandas have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but open the Southern League North Division Series in Kodak, Tenn on Tuesday. It is a best-of-three series, so Rocket City will host the remaining games at Toyota Field.