Aberdeen IronBirds

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 August 20, 2010, David Anderson hit his 11th home run of the season, setting a new IronBirds single-season record. He broke the previous record held by Tyler Kolodny set in the 2008 season.

Current Roster

Aberdeen IronBirds roster
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 46 Angel Cespedes 12 Miguel Chalas 32 Matthew Drummond 45 Jaime Esquivel 52 Zach Fowler 47 Matthew Hobgood 41 Trent Howard 44 Enrico Jimenez 11 Devin Jones 20 Luis Lebron 43 Jose Mota 51 Jose Nivar 35 Zach Petersime  2 Jorge Rivera 13 Alex Schmarzo 40 Travis Strong 31 Matt Taylor 26 Tyler Wilson -- Aaron Wirsch		Catchers 33 Adam Davis 14 Austin Goolsby 36 Wynston Sawyer Infielders 19 Mychal Givens  9 Dudley Leonora 28 Connor Narron -- Sammie Starr 29 Joe Velleggia 25 Thomas Winegardner -- Vincent Zazueta 21 Ryan Zrenda Outfielders -- Chris Clinton  4 Kyle Hoppy 17 Austin Knight		Manager -- Gary Allenson Coaches -- Brad Komminsk (hitting) -- Alan Mills (pitching) 7-day disabled list * On Baltimore Orioles 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated February 12, 2012 Transactions → More MiLB rosters → Baltimore Orioles minor league players

See also

• Category:Aberdeen IronBirds players

External links

• Aberdeen IronBirds web site