From the Aberdeen IronBirds:
The Aberdeen IronBirds, Class ‘A’ short season affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, recently concluded its 2016 season, welcoming over 141,000 fans through the gates at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. The 2016 season celebrated a number of successful campaigns from special theme nights, partnerships with local nonprofits, guest appearances and more.
“Our team did a great job providing an authentic, family fun experience throughout the season,” said Matt Slatus, general manager of the Aberdeen IronBirds. “None of this would be possible without the continued support and enthusiasm from our loyal fan base. We are already looking forward to making the 2017 season the best one yet.”
The IronBirds season was dedicated to those who protect and serve, including a tribute to the two fallen Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies, Senior Deputy Patrick Daily and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon. As a season long tribute, IronBirds’ jerseys all featured specialized patches, and the badge numbers of the fallen deputies were painted on the field at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium.
In partnership with Leidos, the IronBirds honored 38 Hometown Heroes, an honor presented to local citizens doing extraordinary things for the local community and/or country. The ball club also welcomed over 500 active duty soldiers from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds for Military Appreciation Night where IronBirds players debuted Military Saturday camouflage jerseys, which were auctioned off benefitting the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
The IronBirds worked with over 35 local nonprofits throughout the season, including the Alzheimer’s Association of Harford County, Casey Cares, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Association for Conservation, Negro League Museum, Pathfinders for Autism, RAACE, The Red Devils and Tabitha’s House. Together, through jersey auctions and other fundraisers, the IronBirds helped local nonprofits achieve their worthwhile goals in 2016.
In addition, the IronBirds organization stayed busy both on the field and in the stands, including:
– 19 themed promotional nights
– 15 gate giveaways
– 13 firework extravaganzas
– 15 marriage proposals
– 350 Pokémon caught at PokéMONDAY games
– 50,000 steamed Maryland blue crabs eaten
– 800,000 ounces of draft beer poured
– 7,000 gallons of fountain soda served
– 1,800 pounds of fresh pizza dough tossed
IronBirds players shined bright this season, as outfielder Cole Billingsley and pitcher Alex Wells were named to the 2016 MiLB New York-Penn League All-Star game, while team mascot Ferrous took the title of East Division Winner in the 2016 MiLB Mascot Mania competition. Other stars who appeared at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium this season included Olympic gold medalist Helen Maroulis, WWE wrestler Matt Hardy, notable Star Wars characters and more.
In efforts to help create the ultimate fan experience, the IronBirds welcomed several new members to the Aberdeen family, including Sunrun, who gave youth fans the opportunity to run the bases following each Sunday home game. The IronBirds, in partnership with Advanced Radiology, also created the LadyBirds Club in efforts to provide female fans with opportunities for special offers and participation in exclusive events throughout the year, including a Wine and Paint Night scheduled for September 29.
For more information on the Aberdeen IronBirds, or to register for the LadyBird’s Wine and Paint Night, visit www.IronBirdsBaseball.com or call an IronBirds representative at 410-297-9292.
Attended a game for the first time this year and it was a Great experience! My daughter really enjoyed herself and begged me to take her again! We’ll be back next year, for sure! Thanks IronBirds!!