IronBirds Opening Day: 'New Era' Billed at Ripken Stadium

The IronBirds kick of the 2013 season on Monday, promising a "new era" of Aberdeen baseball.

After celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2012, the Aberdeen IronBirds will look for their first winning season in 2013. The season-opener for the short-season Class A affiliate of the Orioles is slated for Monday night at Ripken Stadium.

First pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays' affiliate, the Hudson Valley Renegades, is set for 7:35 p.m.

Nine former IronBirds return—see the roster attached in PDF form—as Matt Merullo begins his first season as the IronBirds manager.

Right-hander Sebastian Vader, who went 1-8 with a 3.71 ERA in 14 games with the IronBirds last season, will start the opener. He'll be opposed by Renegades left-hander Jordan Harrison.

Unlike many years past, some tickets remained available with less than 24 hours left before first pitch.

Two new voices will represent the IronBirds in 2013, including public address announcer .

Games can be heard online through the IronBirds broadcast network, with Harford County native Paul Taylor providing the play-by-play. Taylor has broadcast many levels of sports locally, including high school football games of the week for SFMsports.net.

The IronBirds will also be sporting new hats in 2013.

For ongoing coverage, Logan Quick, of the IronBirds Nation, will be blogging on Aberdeen Patch this season. Read more here.