After following Mascot Mania on MiLB (congratulations Orbit!), it was time to give attention to some great mascots that did not make the Sweet 16…or 64…or were never even considered.
They’re like the Michael Bay movies of mascots. We might love them, but they’re never going to win an Oscar.
Today, we’re taking a trip to the New York – Penn League. The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league, operating in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a “Short-Season A” league; its season starts in June (which is probably why none of its mascots made “Mascot Mania”).
The New York – Penn League (NYPL) goes into action after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts. The season concludes in early September.
The league is divided into the McNamara Division, the Pinckney Division, and the Stedler Division. Currently, the league includes teams in seven different states. In addition to New York and Pennsylvania, from which the league draws its name, the NYPL also has clubs in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, and Connecticut.
In honor of the team’s tenth anniversary, we are focusing on the Aberdeen Ironbirds and their mascots … you guessed it! Ferrous and Ripcord! (Jeez! What did you think I was going to say? Brady Anderson and Albert Belle?)
Birdy Anderson and Albird Belle! Why aren’t I in the mascot business? Ok. I’m back now.
The Aberdeen Ironbirds are currently owned by retired Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr.. Ripken Jr. purchased the team, then known as the Utica Blue Sox, and moved them to his hometown of Aberdeen, Maryland. The IronBirds play their home games at Ripken Stadium, which is visible from I-95.
The name “Ironbirds” was chosen for two reasons: Cal Ripken’s “Ironman” streak of 2,632 consecutive baseball games played and the team’s affiliation with the Orioles (often referred to as “The Birds”). The team logo features a silver airplane marked with Ripken’s number 8, which also refers to the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground U.S. Army installation.
Ferrous, which from all evidence I can find, has been with the team since the move to Aberdeen, Maryland. Ripcord came along in 2006. The origin of the name “Ferrous”, the Ironbirds main mascot, ferrous “means of or containing iron.” He was born in Aberdeen.
A local bird, like Cal.
He’s a true bird of summer (because that’s when he was born). He’s 6’6” and is 276 lbs. Wow! Imagine him at Thanksgiving.
Ok. That was gross. I will stop now.
Unlike Orbit, Ferrous is not very chatty. He’s still though a mascot on the move. His favorite baseball player was Cal Ripken, Jr. (Who saw that coming?) His favorite food is peanut butter and mayo sandwiches.
Now, look who is being gross! At least he doesn’t regurgitate his food and spit it back to his young.
His favorite movie is “Follow that Bird.” I agree. Any film with Cookie Monster in a supporting role is a fine piece of cinema. I’m just saying.
Ferrous’ best friend, other than the Oriole Bird of course, is Ripcord. Ripcord is a former Army skydiver. (You have to love a man…or in this case a bird…with a career path.) Obviously after an honorable discharge, he joined the Ironbirds. Ripcord is also a local bird, born in summer. Like Ferrous, Ripcord is also the strong, silent type. He’s an inch taller than Ferrous and comes in at a slim 237 pounds.
Don’t mention that to Ferrous. He’s very sensitive about that.
Ripcord’s favorite player is Bill Ripken. (Ummm. Ok.) He also loves the film “Drop Zone.” Well, shouldn’t any film in the Wesley Snipes catalog be on our list of favorites.? Mine is “Major League.” Ripcord also loves Season Pizza.
Italian. Finally, a bird after my own heart.
