'Birds to retire Ripken family numbers

Aberdeen, Md. -- The Aberdeen IronBirds, Class A Short-Season affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce today that the franchise will retire the Ripken family jersey numbers 3, 7 and 8 in a special pre-game ceremony on Wednesday, September 5 before the IronBirds host the Oneonta Tigers at 7:05 PM.

"We are excited to host this celebration that will allow the team and Harford County to officially recognize the Ripkens for their accomplishments both on and off the field," Aaron Moszer, IronBirds General Manager, said. "No IronBirds player has worn the numbers 3, 7 or 8 in our history and on September 5 we will make it official."

Baseball Hall-of-Famer and IronBirds co-owner Cal Ripken, Jr. spent his entire 21 year career with the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken was elected to the Hall of Fame earlier this year as much for "the Streak" as he was for his other accomplishments. Ripken was a lifetime .276 hitter with 3,184 hits, 431 home runs and 1,695 RBI in 3,001 games. Ripken, Jr. wore #8 for his entire career.

IronBirds co-owner Bill Ripken, a second baseman, played 12 years in the Majors Leagues for the Orioles, Rangers, Indians and Tigers. Ripken led all American League second baseman in fielding percentage (.993) in 1992 and led the Orioles with a .291 batting average in 1990. He wore #3 while wearing an Orioles uniform.

Their father, Cal Ripken, Sr. served as the Orioles manager three times, in 1985, 1987 and 1988. Ripken, Sr. preached "the Oriole way" and wore #7 during his Orioles managerial career.

The three jersey numbers are the first retired numbers in the IronBirds' six year franchise history. Each number will be featured in a special location on the Ripken Stadium outfield wall.