Aberdeen IronBirds Founded in 1977 Aberdeen, Maryland
Team Logo Cap Insignia
Class-level
Short-Season A
Minor league affiliations
New York - Penn League McNamara Division
Major league affiliations
Baltimore Orioles (2002–present) Florida Marlins (1994–2001) Boston Red Sox (1993–1995) Chicago White Sox (1988–1992) Philadelphia Phillies (1986–1987) Independent (1981–1985) Toronto Blue Jays (1977–1980)
Name
Aberdeen IronBirds (2002–present) Utica Blue Sox (1981–2001) Utica Blue Jays (1977–1980)
Ballpark
Ripken Stadium (2002–present) Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field (1977–2001)
Minor league titles
League titles
Division titles
Owner(s)/Operated by: Cal Ripken, Jr.
Manager: Gary Kendall
General Manager: Aaron Moszer

The Aberdeen IronBirds are a Short-Season A classification 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 Oriole 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, 2006, the IronBirds played host to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Ripken Stadium was also used for the Cal Ripken World Series in 2003 and 2004, forcing the team to go on extended road trips, 20 or more games, during the youth competition. The Cal Ripken World Series moved across the street to Cal Sr.'s Yard in 2005.

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 refers to the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground U.S. Army installation.

The team mascots are gray birds named Ferrous and Ripcord.

The record of most RBIs in a single month was set by Robbie Widlansky

On September 2, 2008, Tyler Kolodny hit his 10th home run of the season, setting a new IronBirds single-season record. He broke the three-way tie he had with former IronBirds Nolan Reimold and Joe Mahoney.

[edit] 2009 Roster

[edit] See also

• Category:Aberdeen IronBirds players

[edit] External links

• Aberdeen IronBirds web site

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