As a member of the visiting Auburn Doubledays last year, Ryan Ripken recorded the first hit of 2016 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. This year, Ripken calls the stadium named after his father home.
"It's different for sure, playing in a stadium that holds your name," Ripken told Glenn Clark Radio July 13. "But once I'm out there playing, after getting used to it a couple games, you just go out there and play baseball."
Now an Aberdeen IronBird, Ripken was signed by the Orioles' organization March 31 and has gotten off to a hot start with the Class A short-season affiliate, which is owned by his father. The first baseman is hitting .290 with a .696 OPS in 18 games.
