MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) – This quarter, WHNT 19 packed up the cameras, lights, and hit the road for a quick 20-minute cruise west to the neighboring town of Madison, best known as the proud home of the raccoon Sprocket and, of course, the beloved Rocket City Trash Pandas.
The celebration? Nothing short of historic: the 40th anniversary of baseball’s grand arrival in North Alabama, when the 1985 Huntsville Stars first lit up the diamond.
There was a first pitch competition where Morning Anchors Carmen Fuentes and Ellie Byrd, Day to Day Anchor Mariah Wiggs, and Sports Reporter Josiah Elmore competed to see who would throw the first pitch during the game on Thursday, August 28.
Carmen Fuentes won the first pitch competition and threw out the first pitch at the Trash Pandas game and it was a strike.
The day was loaded with nostalgia and star power. Fans got to see some of the original Stars players and front office crew reunite, plus an appearance by MLB legend José Canseco and his brother Ozzie.
Josiah Elmore had an opportunity to interview José and his brother Ozzie.
Meanwhile, WHNT News 19 brought the action live during our evening newscasts straight from the ballpark, giving viewers a front-row seat to all the fun.
The night didn’t stop there. Day to Day Anchor Mariah Wiggs, Morning Anchor Carmen, and Digital EP Logan Sparkman hopped into the Pony Hop competition, bringing the laughs, and during the iconic 7th-inning stretch, Carmen belted out Take Me Out to the Ballgame, like a pro, rallying the whole crowd to sing along.
It was a night of baseball, memories, and community spirit—proving North Alabama’s love for the beautiful game of baseball.
The post On The Road: Trash Pandas Game celebrating 40th anniversary of the inaugural Huntsville Stars season appeared first on WHNT.
