The Aberdeen IronBirds have never had a winning season.
A new wave of major league hopefuls will work to change that, as Aberdeen begins its short season Single-A schedule in the New York-Penn League. Cal Ripken Jr.?s minor league team, now in its fifth year, will play its first home game Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the Brooklyn Cyclones.
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The Orioles closest minor-league affiliate to Camden Yards had its best finish in 2003 at 38-38. But manager and former Orioles catcher Andy Etchebarren is more concerned with player development than winning.
“Most of them [players] are coming out of college,” Etchebarren said. “This is going to be a long year for them because none of them have ever done this before.”
Etchebarren said the players just out of college will not play every day at the start of the season because he wants them to be healthy and rested.
The manager had high praise for the fans in Aberdeen, who understand the developmental role in the minors. “They recognize the kids make mistakes,” Etchebarren said. “You do not hear any boos out here.”
The team is close to selling out its fifth straight season, Aberdeen general manager Aaron Moszer said. “We have some limited inventory for select dates throughout the season,” Moszer said. “The only way to make sure fans can see a game is through a group outing of 20 or more.”
THE IRONMAN?S IRONBIRDS
Players to watch: P?Brett Bordes (9th round pick, 2006), Nathan Nery (18th round pick, 2006), Josh Tamba (7th round pick, 2006), Luis Lebron (free agent, 2004); C?Brandon Snyder(1st round pick, 2005); IF?Jedidiah Stephen (8th pick, 2006), Chris Vinyard (38th round pick, 2005); OF?Danny Figueroa (43rd round pick, 2005)
Moving on up: Last year?s IronBirds went 27-48, but had three of the top prospects in the league: Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz and Nolan Reimold. An outfielder with Frederick, Reimold has been named to the U.S. team for the Futures Game, which will be July 9 in Pittsburgh. Liz, a pitcher with Frederick, was named to the world team, according to Baseball America.
Selected alumni in the majors: Brandon Fahey, Adam Loewen, Nick Markakis and Chris Ray.
