Aberdeen IronBirds
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| Aberdeen IronBirds | ||
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| League | New York-Penn League | |
| Division | McNamara Division | |
| Year founded | 2002 | |
| Major League affiliation | Baltimore Orioles | |
| Home ballpark | Ripken Stadium | |
| Previous home ballparks | ||
| City | Aberdeen, Maryland | |
| Current uniform colors | black, blue, orange, grey | |
| Previous uniform colors | ||
| Logo design | A silver airplane with Ripken's no. 8 with the "IronBirds" wordmark centered below. The "Aberdeen" wordmark is centered above "IronBirds." | |
| Division titles | ||
| League titles | ||
| Manager | Andy Etchebarren | |
| Owner | Cal Ripken, Jr. | |
The Aberdeen IronBirds are a short-season class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The IronBirds play in the New York - Penn League and are based in Aberdeen, Maryland, which is in Harford County.
The team is currently owned by retired Orioles legend Cal Ripken, Jr. Ripken purchased the team, then known as the Utica Blue Sox, and moved them to his hometown of Aberdeen in time for the 2002 season. The IronBirds play their home games at Ripken Stadium, which is visible from I-95. On August 16, the IronBirds will host the 2006 New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Ripken Stadium was also used from 2003 to 2005 for the Cal Ripken World Series, which forced Aberdeen to go on a horrendously long road trip, usually for 20 to 21 games.
The name "IronBirds" was chosen for two reasons: Cal Ripken's "Ironman" streak of 2,632 consecutive baseball games played and the team's affiliation with the Orioles (the Baltimore team is often referred to as "The Birds").[1] The team logo features a silver airplane marked with Ripken's number 8, which also reflects the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground U.S. Army installation.
The team mascots are gray birds named Ferrous and Ripcord.
[edit] External link
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