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The Delmarva Shorebirds and Aberdeen IronBirds were only two of dozens of teams that changed their names temporarily across the country, a trend that's been steadily growing.

Buck Showalter has never lasted more than four years at any of his previous managerial stops, but his tenure in Baltimore seems to be cresting as he prepares to manage the Orioles in the postseason.

Caleb Joseph now can admit there were several times during those late-night bus rides through the Eastern League when he considered calling it quits on his lifelong dream of making it to the major leagues. He felt stuck in Double-A, a minor league proving ground for some and a glass ceiling for others, watching younger teammates each year as he grew older.