The Aberdeen IronBirds are set to kick off their Opening Day of the 2008 season after coming home from Hudson Valley with two wins in their pocket. They dropped the finale Thursday night (10-5) but managed to create quite an uproar to get their season started and trek home with a 2-1 record.
History was in the air, both Tuesday and Wednesday night. Wednesday the IronBirds pitching staff platooned to throw the first ever one-hitter. Chris Salberg, Joe Esposito and Brandon Cooney made their mark in Aberdeen’s record book with this feat bringing home a 4-0 shutout win.
Tuesday the Birds got started in a 13-7 win which saw them tie a franchise record for most runs scored in one frame. In addition, the Orioles 26th round draft pick of 2008, T.J. Baxter (University of New Orleans) began to pay dividends right from the start. This outfielder is listed as a 6’1” and weighs in at 218 lbs. As the DH, Baxter (3-for-6, three runs) belted out the second grand slam in club history (OF Danny Figueroa did it August 23, 2006 vs. Staten Island as he hit for the cycle, another historic feat) Tuesday.
The fourth round pick for the O’s in this year’s draft was Kyle Hudson. Hudson who is also 6’1” weighing in at 165 lbs is a diverse and speedy cat from the University of Illinois. As a Division 1 baseball and football player, look for this outfielder to hustle and amaze you. This All-Big-10 selection as a junior hit .398 that season and recorded 40 swiped bags in 49 tries. He was spotless in the outfield with 5 assists and left Illinois with a batting average of .376. Hudson was a receiver for the Illinois football team, leading in receptions and receiving yards in 2006.
Some of the faces you might see will be new to the ‘Birds this season, and that’s not unusual in the lineup and roster. This year though, the ‘Birds have a new manager in Gary Kendall who replaced Andy Etchebarren.
Kendall’s past is rooted in baseball and as a Baltimore native he’s been in the O’s farm system for some time. He’s served as a scout from 1991-1995 but his most recent stint was as manager of the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds for the past three seasons. Kendall will be the fourth manager in the IronBirds system.
As many of us already know, going to an IronBirds game isn’t only about baseball. It’s also about the experience. So what can we look forward to tonight?
For starters, we can watch Ms. Maryland USA, 2008, Casandra Tressler throw out the first pitch. Will she be able to reach the plate? This Garrett County native and obviously a looker, grew up an athlete so she might be throwing out some heat! www.missmarylandusa.com/casandra_bio.htm In addition, your walk into the stadium is likely to be more entertaining. The IronBirds will be hosting a sidewalk show outside of the stadium with some, Sidewalk Shock Graffiti, which will be lighting up the pavement as you enter.
The IronBirds are pitted against the Brooklyn Cyclones with the first pitch scheduled at 7:35 Friday. Although tickets are sold out, you can listen to their games on 970 am WAMD or online at www.ironbirdsbaseball.com.
Of course, I root for the Ironbirds with the whole Aberdeen, Cal, and Orioles connection and all of that stuff, but I’m finding it really difficult to get myself to go to the stadium, even when we score free tickets from season ticket holders. After attending a couple of Reading Phillies games, I just don’t find it all that exciting. Ripken Stadium tries hard and succeeds in being Camden Yards Lite. Big time sponsorship (Comcast, BankOfAmerica, BGE, etc.), big time food prices, and plenty of empty seats (despite all of the games being sold out).
One game at Reading would make the difference clear. The stands are full of people who really want to be there, the outfield is filled with local ads from businesses who sponsor giveaways and promotions between every inning. The food is good and cheap, and level of enthusiasm is several levels higher that at the House of Cal. It seems to me like Cal wants to be a big league team owner and he’s treating the Ironbirds like a big league team. That’s great for the players, employees and casual fans, but the 57 year old stadium a hour north of us packed full of cheering fans puts it to shame.
I see your point Phil.
However, I was at the game last night and it was packed despite the down pour.
Reading is one of the top draws in minor league baseball averaging a little over 6k and has more identifiable players being in AA. Bowie is drawing half of that. It also has a lot to do with the way the parent club is doing. There is no secret that the Phillies have been more successful that the O’s over the past ten years and they have an influx of young talent.
I still enjoy Aberdeen and think it’s a great family environment. Maybe with the change in Baltimore you will see more people in Aberdeen.
GO BIRDS!! (regardless of Iron or color)
One can only hope that Cal Jr. is looking to be a major league owner and will hook up with Peter G. pronto.
Phil, there is a waiting list to get season tickets for the IronBirds. Every time I’ve gone (& I’ve gone a lot) the stadium is packed and enthusiastic. I think the parent club has EVERYTHING to do with it. Never been to Reading to see the difference.
Here’s a thought though, If you ever have tickets to spare…this might be a good place to unload.