A recent heist at the home of the minor league Aberdeen IronBirds has police tracking down one or multiples thieves and a large amount of Ripken Baseball-branded gear in Harford County.
The Aberdeen Police Department said yesterday that more than $5,000 worth of baseball clothing, merchandise and equipment has disappeared from Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. Officials from the stadium told police on March 2 that someone broke into several temporary storage containers in a garage detached from the stadium. The burglary happened the night before they reported the items missing to police. Detectives investigated and processed the scene for evidence.
Some of the missing goods: Under Armour shorts, t-shirts, backpacks and batting jackets. The items are branded with the Ripken Baseball or “Ripken Experience” logos.
Given the presence of the affixed logos on the stolen goods, police say most of them are “unique and would not be found for sale anywhere other than Ripken Stadium.”
Ripken Stadium is the home field for the Orioles’ Class A minor league affiliate, the Aberdeen IronBirds, whose season kicks off on June 19. The stadium is part of a complex created by O’s legend Cal Ripken, Jr. in his hometown in Harford County. It also hosts a number of youth baseball and softball leagues and camps and serves as the home field for Stevenson University’s division III baseball team.
Det. John Divel, who is investigating the burglary case, said in a brief phone interview that police haven’t gotten any major leads. Anyone who sees any of the stolen items or has information about the burglary can call the police department at 410-272-2121 and ask to speak with Det. Divel.
