Ripken's IronBirds Honor Harford Deputies Killed In Line of Duty
BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) -- The Aberdeen IronBirds, a farm team for the Baltimore Orioles organization, will honor two slain Harford County Sheriff's deputies at the team's home opener Wednesday night.
The team is paying tribute to Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon, who were killed in the line of duty by a gunman at a restaurant and apartment complex in Abingdon on Feb. 10.
During a pregame ceremony at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, the team will recognize the deputies' sacrifice with the unveiling of their painted badge numbers in display in the outfield. Afterward, the deputies' families will be on hand to throw out the first pitch, which will be followed by the release of more than a dozen white doves.
The IronBirds, a Class A affiliate of the Orioles owned by Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., will also observe a moment of silence to acknowledge two reserved seats that will remain empty in honor and memory of Dailey and Logsdon.
At the game, the team will also debut a jersey patch dedicated the fallen deputies and law enforcement officers everywhere. The patch, which features a grey American flag with a blue stripe running through the middle, will be displayed on the backs of players' jerseys at home and road games all season long.
"Ever since the stadium first opened, and the IronBirds moved to Aberdeen, they have been a constant contributor and supporter of the communities here in Harford County," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said in a statement last month.
"This outward showing of support and dedication to the members of the Harford County Sheriff's Office and recognizing the sacrifice made by Pat and Mark, is truly inspiring and a testament to the character of the IronBirds organization."
The IronBirds host the Auburn Doubledays June 22-24. Wednesday's game will get underway at 7:05 p.m. following the pregame ceremonies at 6:30 p.m.
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