Ripken partnering with Attain Sports in ownership of Aberdeen IronBirds

The High-A Aberdeen IronBirds will operate under different ownership in 2025.

Cal Ripken Jr., 64. has sold his majority stake in the Orioles’ affiliate. However, the Hall of Famer and brother Bill, a former major league infielder and current MLB Network analyst, will remain part of the ownership group.

Attain Sports, led by minor league baseball operator and business leader Greg Baroni, is partnering with the Ripkens by acquiring controlling interest in IB Professional Holdings. The company also owns the Double-A Bowie Baysox and MLB Draft League Frederick Keys.

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Attain Sports sent out a press release.

“Bill and I are proud of what we have been able to bring to our hometown,” Ripken said in a statement. “Since 2002, through the IronBirds and our Ripken Experience Aberdeen youth baseball complex, we have been able to provide wonderful experiences for baseball fans of all ages. At this stage of my life, I thought the timing was right to turn over the day-to-day management of the IronBirds to Greg. I am thrilled that we can partner with such well-respected operators like Greg and Attain Sports.”

The release included a statement from Baroni, whose group also owns Loudoun United FC and the Spire City Ghost Hounds of the Atlantic League Professional Baseball.

“Today marks an exciting day for me personally and for our entire organization,” he said. “The opportunity to grow Attain Sports by welcoming a terrific team like the IronBirds, and to partner with Cal and Bill Ripken, is very meaningful. We look forward to continuing to deliver baseball as affordable family entertainment with a commitment to community engagement, exceptional customer service, and innovative experiences right here in Aberdeen.”

Ripken played his final game with the Orioles in 2001 and went into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He purchased the Utica Blue Sox, relocated them to Aberdeen and renamed them the IronBirds.

The team continues to play at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium.

The Orioles are under new ownership with private equity billionaire David Rubenstein purchasing the club in March and serving as control person. Ripken is part of his group and a frequent visitor at Camden Yards in his front-row seat behind home plate.