Ripken Stadium a NYPL gem in Cal's hometown

Ballpark offers state-of-the-art, family-oriented fun

August 16, 2006

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When fans fill your ballpark for every home game, you might consider yourself spoiled.

That's exactly how the IronBirds of Aberdeen, Md., feel when they take the field at Ripken Stadium, a beauty that boasted sellouts during every home game since the gates opened in 2002.

"The players know they're spoiled," said IronBirds public relations director Brendan Wilhide. "It's one of the things we talk to them about. They'll hear it from other guys, too, telling them Aberdeen spoils them."

Today, the rest of the New York-Penn League will be treated to one of the most popular parks in the Minors. All-Stars, league executives and fans alike will kick off the second-annual New York-Penn League All-Star Game with a full day of ASG activities.

An all-day FanFest in the parking lot will entertain fans of all ages before the gates open. Meanwhile, players will attend an All-Star luncheon during which Cal Ripken Jr. will serve as the keynote speaker.

In honor of the ASG in Aberdeen, which is also Ripken's hometown, players will wear jerseys to coordinate with their parent teams. For example, Aberdeen's Chris Vinyard, Miguel Abreu and Louis Lebron will sport Baltimore Orioles jerseys.

The luncheon will resemble that of an NFL draft as Ripken will announce each All-Star and present him with his jersey while highlights play in the background.

As part of the Aberdeen complex is the Cal Sr. Yard, a one-fifth-sized replica of Camden Yards, where the Cal Ripken Jr. World Series is currently taking place. You can catch some of the action at 4 p.m. ET.

The Home Run Derby is set for 6 p.m. with eight players in the lineup, followed by the All-Star Game and a post-game fireworks show, wrapping up the festivities.

Should fans get hungry, have no fear as Ripken Stadium is famous for serving crabs as part of the menu.

"Maryland is known for having great crab dishes," said Wilhide. "And we have a local restaurant that sponsors a place in the ballpark. Fans go to the 'CrabShack' for a great crab cake."

The CrabShack sits in a party deck along the first-base line, while another party pavilion is located down the third-base line. The concourse is split down the center to divide the seating bowl, and luxury suites run along the upper level of the stadium.

Also unique to the $18 million Ripken Stadium are exhibits on display from the Ripken Museum. Closed for renovations, the museum houses baseball artifacts such as an autographed baseball by Babe Ruth, a ball signed by Jackie Robinson and memorabilia honoring the Negro Leagues and the Ripken family.

Fans can get an up-close look at these items while catching a game at the park.

Sapna Pathak is a contributor to MLB.com.