Ripken Academy - Aberdeen, MD
The Ripken Academy, home of Ripken youth camps and tournaments, consists of a youth-sized version of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, known as Cal Sr.'s Yard and youth-sized replicas of Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Memorial Stadium.
Four skinned softball fields were added in 2005 when softball programming was brought into the mix and the academy boasts a one-of-a-kind circular training infield, batting cages and a tee/soft-toss area.
Ripken Academy is located in Cal and Bill's hometown of Aberdeen, MD - located just 35 miles north of Baltimore.
Around the Complex
The Ripken Youth Academy has plenty to offer visiting teams, campers and spectators. The concourse of Cal Sr.'s Yard is complete with Concessions, Merchandise, restrooms and water fountains.
In addition to the four siganture fields and the skinned infield softball fields, Ripken Academy boasts an assortment of training areas, including:
- Professional-quality batting cages, which can accommodate multiple teams at one time!
- Newly designed bullpen with 4 pitching mounds, overlooking the Training Island
- The Ripken-designed Infield Training Island - a synthetic surface designed to fulfill all your practice needs!
You'll also find a large pavilion with picnic tables - grab a hot dog or a snowball, and take a seat in the shade. The pavilion overlooks Fenway Park and the Infield Training Island.
Cal Sr.'s Yard at Ripken Academy
Cal Sr.'s Yard is one of the signature fields at the Academy, and a youth-sized replica of Oriole Park at Camden Yards - home of the Baltimore Orioles.
The Yard features stadium seating, dugouts, concession & merchandise stands... and now under construction - The Warehouse!
When complete it will be a Marriott hotel, where teams, campers and families can stay. Designed to match the Camden Yards warehouse, it's an incredible addition to the Academy.
Wrigley Field, Fenway Park & Old Memorial Stadium
Campers and tournament teams feel like pros when playing on these three incredible youth replicas of famous ballparks!
The fields boast covered dugouts, professional grass and infields, plenty of space for spectators and easy access to restrooms and concessions. Check out these incredible features that give you the Chicago, Boston or Baltimore experience:
- The Green Monster in left field of Fenway Park
- Beautiful brick backstop and ivy growing on Wrigley's outfield wall
- Authentic big league dugouts on Memorial, where Cal & Bill both got their professional start
The signature fields at the Ripken Youth Academy can accommodate 60' or 70' bases, and overlook the beautiful evergreen forest surrounding the Academy grounds.
Summer Baseball & Softball Camps
Week-long day and overnight camps are available throughout the summer months at Ripken Academy. In 2006, we had over 1500 softball and baseball campers come through the complex!
Campers learn to play the game, "The Ripken Way," a philosophy taught to Cal and Bill by their father, Cal Ripken, Sr. The Ripken coaching staff consists of full-time and seasonal coaches - high school and college coaches, current and past college and pro players. During the Ripken Experience Weeks, campers have the opportunity to learn from the IronMan himself, Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Ripken, and several of their former major league teammates. BJ Surhoff, Mike Bordick, John Habyan, Rick Krivda, Al Bumbry, Joe Orsulak & more!
For overnight campers, the week starts on Sunday night and baseball instruction kicks off on Monday morning at the Academy. Evening activities for the overnight campers includes: Orioles games at Camden Yards, IronBirds games, mini golf & more at the Putt Putt Fun Center, kick ball tournaments, swimming and so much more.
Overnight Facilities - Camps
Ripken Baseball uses two different overnight facilities: West Nottingham Academy for the Standard Weeks and Towson University for the Ripken Experience Weeks.
Towson University is located just minutes from Baltimore's famous Inner Harbor - campers will take advantage of the best parts of the city. Towson University dorms feature suite-style living, top-notch dining facilities, game rooms, swimming pool, Internet cafe, theater and so much more!
West Nottingham Academy is the country's oldest boarding school, and the picturesque campus gives campers the look and feel of a college campus. Both overnight facilities feature:
- Air-conditioned dorms or bunk houses
- Swimming pools
- Large cafeterias with great food and bottomless drinks
- TV lounges and game rooms
Evening Activities - Summer Camps
After a long day on the baseball and softball fields, campers are ready for a good meal and some good times! Dinner is served at the overnight facility for all campers before embarking on the evening's activities.
Trips to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a MLB game, Ripken Stadium for an Aberdeen IronBirds game, Putt Putt Fun Center for mini golf, arcade games & laser tag - it's all part of the Ripken Overnight Camp experience! *NEW* this year for Ripken Experience Campers: the famous Baltimore Aquarium, the Science Center and the Inner Harbor!
Our Overnight Facilities have plenty to over as well - swimming, rock-climbing, theaters, indoor gyms, video games and more. Don't forget about our weekly kickball tournament - a favorite during the summer.
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