My first time in the Baltimore area will always be a once in a lifetime experience. David Stinson, Vice President of the Baltimore Chapter, invited me to the area to show me historical sites.
As the person who spearheaded the effort to get the first SABR historical marker in the state of South Dakota paying homage to the old Baltimore Orioles minor league team the Aberdeen Pheasants, there was a lot to see.
The first area that I had to see was the hometown in which the Ripkens lived – Aberdeen, Maryland. The first location we visited was the home of the Ripkens at 410 Clover Street in Aberdeen. The next area that we visited was the gravesite of Cal Ripken Sr., which was located at Baker Cemetery 3641 Churchville Road in Aberdeen.
Coincidentally, the same day that I was in Aberdeen (Friday, August 22) the Orioles minor league team the Aberdeen Ironbirds were in town, so we went to a game. Peter Coolbaugh, Balitmore’s Chapter President, joined David and me for the game. The day was full of fun and excitement, but there was even more to follow the next day.
The next day we went to the former site of Memorial Stadium. Some notable Aberdeen Pheasants who either managed or played at Memorial Stadium after being called to “The Show” include Cal Ripken Sr., Earl Weaver, and Jim Palmer.
It is truly remarkable what the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation did to the area so future kids can still play on that field. After that we had to go to, “Just a long fly ball from Oriole Park at Camden Yards” aka the Babe Ruth Museum. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience to see all of the old items that the museum has.
After that we went to the ballpark in which (on Saturday August 23) was Jim Palmer jersey giveaway day. David and Peter got in contact with fellow SABR member Bill Stetka. Bill Stetka is the Director of Orioles Alumni & Team Historian. Bill got in contact with Jim Palmer, and told him about the SABR historical marker. Jim gave us permission and we were able to meet with him before the game. It was truly a dream come true experience being able to meet the only Aberdeen Pheasant player ever in the Hall of Fame.
I am truly grateful to David, Peter, Bill, Jim, and the SABR organization. Dreams can come true, and this will always be a fond memory for me.
The Hardball Voyager 