Trash Pandas name new manager for 2026 season

The Rocket City Trash Pandas announced today that Joe Kruzel has been hired to be the team’s new manager for the upcoming season. This news comes after manager Andy Schatzley was promoted to the coaching staff for the Los Angeles Angels in November.

Here’s more on Joe Kruzel:

Joe Kruzel named new Trash Pandas manager

Kruzel brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at the professional and collegiate levels, including nine seasons as a manager (eight in affiliated baseball and one in independent baseball), compiling a 473–472 career managerial record.

The 2026 season will mark his fifth year in the Angels organization, following four seasons (2022–25) as Field Coordinator, where he oversaw player development, instruction and on-field standards throughout the minor league system.

“We want to play championship-caliber baseball, get the Trash Pandas back in the playoffs, and create an environment where players grow both on and off the field. Being able to take a group from the start of the season, work toward those goals together and help move them along the path to helping the Angels win is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Joe Kruzel, new manager of the Trash Pandas

Kruzel and the Trash Pandas will open their sixth season in Madison on Friday, April 3, hosting the Biloxi Shuckers.

Want more content like this? Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our