Aberdeen IronBirds announce plans to honor fallen Harford County deputies

The Orioles' short-season Single-A affiliate, the Aberdeen IronBirds, today announced plans to pay tribute to two fallen Harford County deputies, Senior Deputy Patrick Daily and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon, who were killed in the line of duty on Feb. 10. In partnership with the Harford County SheriffÂ’s Office, the IronBirds will honor the fallen deputies throughout the 2016 season, both at home and on the road.

All IronBirds players will don jerseys embroidered with a specialized patch as a season-long dedication to all law enforcement. The patches will feature a grey American flag with a blue stripe through the middle and are included on all four sets of uniforms worn by the team at all home and away games.

Additionally, the badge numbers of the two fallen deputies will be painted on the field at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium and prominently displayed throughout the entire season.

"“This is a powerful opportunity to honor and pay tribute to the local deputies who gave their lives while serving the citizens of Harford County,"” said Glenn Valis, senior vice president of Ripken Baseball. "“As a former law enforcement officer, and father of two who currently serve, it is incredibly important that we continue to honor not only those who have passed in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to keep our communities safe every day, locally and throughout the country."”

A pregame dedication ceremony will also be held during the IronBirdsÂ’ home opener on June 22, including a moment of silence and recognition of two reserved seats that will sit empty in honor of Daily and Logsdon. The family members of the fallen deputies will also be present to throw out the game'Â’s ceremonial first pitch. In addition, the IronBirds have designated a Harford County SheriffÂ’s Office Appreciation Night later in the season, where all Harford County deputies will be invited to attend the game and be recognized.

Throughout the season, officers and staff from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office will be recognized through the Leidos’ “Hometown Heroes” program, which honors a local member of the community prior to every IronBirds home game. “Hometown Heroes” come from all walks of life and every corner of the community, and the IronBirds want to hear about all of them. Nominations are open to public submissions through the IronBirds’ Facebook page. Selected “Hometown Heroes” will receive two tickets to a future IronBirds game and a chance to take the lineup card out with the team’s manager.