Ripken stadium will in time change the character of this town on the way to some other town.

For many years Aberdeen was a destination town, especially if you were in the military. But for a very long time now APG has been dead and in various stages of burial. The grotesque airport authority recently unleashed by the county council is the first of many vultures circling to land. But this town will soon be a destination town again. The new stadium will make it so.

Featured Web Site The Ripken Museum Look at memorabilia from the careers of Cal, Sr., Cal, Jr., and Bill. Take a tour. Become a charter member.

And with the Bulle Rock golf courses just down the road to counterpoint baseball, Aberdeen is on schedule to make the transition from military to civilian in healthy fashion.

Usually the other town that people are on their way to is New York or Ocean City or Myrtle Beach. For golf, or the water, or baseball or a stage play. But maybe they will soon reconsider. Think about the options shortly to be offered these passer-bys.

Cal Ripken is one of the greatest baseball players of the 20th century, and he's got money in the bank. More importantly for this town, he has a vision. Minor league baseball in Aberdeen, and a training camp for the kids. When no one else was getting it done, Cal stepped up to the plate and, it looks like, hit a home run. One thing you can say for Cal, he tries to do things right. He would tell you he got that from Senior. Whatever the reason, quality baseball looks closer than ever to becoming a summer reality in Aberdeen. Why go to see the Yankees in New York when you can see Cal Jr. and the stars of tomorrow at Ripken stadium?

Ed Abel, owner of the Bulle Rock golf courses located midway between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace, has money and a vision too. He wants to make Bulle Rock a first-class resort and conference center for the whole mid-Atlantic area. Hotel, five-star golf courses, marina. He needs a little help from the state, but he'll get it. And he'll make a billion dollars in the deal. But who cares. Bulle Rock will be a resort destination for tens of thousands of people each year. Why go to Myrtle Beach when you have it all right in your own back yard.

Ripken stadium, the Bulle Rock resort, the Chesapeake Bay. Drivers, stop your engines, pull over and park.

DM