Cal Ripken Updates

Jennifer Stockman, Thursday, 11 August 2005

CAL RIPKEN AROO'S UPDATE NUMBER 1

Hi everyone arrived in the US OK after a long 26 hours of traveling. Our camp in Sydney went well and the staff at BOP looked after us really well. We trained mostly on the main Olympic diamond and thanks to Manly had a couple of really good games. The boys were just settling into the comfort of Rooty Hill RSL before we had to be at the airport and up, up and away.

We arrived safely in Aberdeen at about 7 p.m. Sunday night to be met at the hotel by a group of screaming locals with welcome signs and Aussie flags flying. The boys were blown away. After a quick orientation meeting with Babe Ruth officials, the boys were off with their host families for a good nights sleep. (picture attached). Robert Flaherty from Babe Ruth who addressed the boys commented on how smart they looked.

We trained at Ripken stadium in the afternoon where the boys were blown away by the complex. The staff briefly caught up with Billy Ripken yesterday who was just as excited to see us as we were to see him. Some of the players went last night to see the Ironbirds play but it got washed out after three innings (Picture attached). Today is a busy day with a game against a local team from Jarretsville, a lunch time picnic with the host families and a trip to Baltimore to see the Orioles play at Camden Yards.

All the boys are very happy in their new families and everyone is well. The boys are jelling together really well and the other teams competing in the World Series start arriving today.

Stay tuned for more updates.

CAL RIPKEN AROO'S UPDATE NUMBER 2

Well another busy day. The day started well when we played a local team from Jarretsville at the local school on overcast conditions. The team started well but actually played better as the game progressed and won 11-2 in a good hit out. The opposition scored their runs in the first innings so the Aussies shut them down over the next 7 innings. Starting pitcher Shannon Lyon struck out eight in his 3 innings of work while Cameron Scott and Darryl George were very solid in relief. Preston Yochim hit a home run while all the boys swung the bat well. AJ Elderkin hit a triple, Luke Parish hit a double and Matty Bright went 3 for 3 while most players collected at least one hit. In defence the team turned some great plays with infielders Matty Bright and Laurie Mazzocato exceptional. Coach Bob Nilsson used the 8 innings game to give all players game time and the team will be much sharper for the experience.

Afterwards the planned picnic was relocated due to the weather to the local pizza hut where the Aussies were made to feel at home. The staff gave out gifts to all the host families and a good time was had by all. The ever growing Aussie contingent then traveled to see the Orioles play at Camden Yards where they beat the D Rays 5-2. The looks on some of the boys (and parents) faces was priceless. The bus trip home to the sounds of Aussie music was a good way to round off the day.

Tomorrow is a free morning before we play another local team from Forest Hills at the Ripken complex in the late afternoon.