Four St. Mary’s County baseball coaches—RJ Bean, Ryan Shephard, Mikey Farrell, and Jimmy Jones—earned a prestigious opportunity to coach at the 2025 All Ripken Games, a three-day elite youth baseball tournament held at The Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Maryland, from August 28-31 and September 4-7. Selected through a rigorous vetting process, these coaches were recognized for their dedication to player development and deep knowledge of the game. Their participation underscores the high caliber of baseball instruction thriving in St. Mary’s County, showcasing local talent on a national stage.
The All Ripken Games, powered by Under Armour, bring together top youth players from across the East Coast to compete on all-turf fields designed to replicate iconic MLB ballparks like Camden Yards and Fenway Park. Brian Beard, All Ripken Games Operations Manager, praised the coaches’ selection, stating, “Being selected for the All Ripken Games is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these coaches. We look for individuals who not only possess a strong baseball background but also demonstrate a passion for mentoring young players and fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment.” The event, known for its focus on player development, offered these coaches a platform to refine their skills while mentoring some of the nation’s best young athletes.
RJ Bean, who coaches 12U Chesapeake Ghost and assists with Legion Baseball and SMBRL, emphasized the value of the experience. “This experience was about learning from some of the most talented athletes on the East Coast and taking those lessons back to St. Mary’s to grow our players even further,” Bean said. “It was also a chance to bring back new coaching philosophies and approaches to games where every detail and execution is critical. I’m excited to share this knowledge to help our athletes not only improve their skills but also develop a winning mindset.” Bean coached a 10U team alongside Jimmy Jones of St. Mary’s Little League, working with young players to hone their abilities in a high-pressure setting.
Ryan Shephard, who coaches 12U Chesapeake Ghost and 14U Five Star Mafia, led a 10U team and highlighted the intensity of the event. “The talent level here is inspiring, and it forces you to think differently as a coach,” Shephard said. “We were challenged to get the most out of our players in a very short amount of time, which really hones your ability to teach efficiently. The lessons from this weekend will directly benefit the teams I coach back home.” Similarly, Mikey Farrell, Operations Director for Chesapeake Ghost and coach of a 9U team, valued the networking opportunities. “I was able to connect with coaches from all over the country and exchange ideas on everything from practice planning to building team chemistry,” Farrell stated. “These connections and insights are invaluable. Our goal is to continue raising the standard of baseball in St. Mary’s County, and opportunities like this are essential to that mission.”
Jimmy Jones echoed the sentiment, noting the broader impact of the event. “This was a chance to see how different coaching philosophies intersect and to dedicate our experience and knowledge to help these kids grow on a bigger stage,” Jones said. “The Ripken Experience sets a high bar, and being a part of it gives you a deeper appreciation for what it takes to develop a successful youth baseball program. We’re not just coaching for today; we’re helping to build the future of the game in our community.” The coaches’ involvement extended beyond the field, as they participated in skill evaluations and drills, including the Player Card Combine, where players’ abilities were assessed for digital and physical All-Ripken Player Cards.
The All Ripken Games, held at state-of-the-art facilities, emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and hustle—core tenets of the Ripken Way. Each team played a minimum of four games, including three pool play games and at least one bracket game, with a rolling batting order to ensure equal at-bats. The event’s structure, including a 7-run limit per inning (except the final inning) and pitching restrictions, prioritized player safety and development. Some players coached by Bean, Shephard, Farrell, and Jones may earn nominations for the All-Ripken Futures Games in Panama City Beach, Florida, in December 2025, offering further opportunities to compete among the nation’s top talent.
The selection of these four coaches highlights the strength of St. Mary’s County’s baseball community. Their experience at The Ripken Experience not only enhances their coaching expertise but also elevates the quality of youth baseball locally. As they return to their teams, the lessons learned and connections made will shape the next generation of players in St. Mary’s County, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
