Bees Ink Former Big Leaguer

NEW BRITAIN—The New Britain Bees have announced the signing of former MLB player Ryan Jackson. This will be Jackson’s 11th season overall in professional baseball, and his third season in the Atlantic League—widely regarded as the leading independent (i.e. unaffiliated) circuit in the minor leagues. Prior to joining the Bees, Jackson began the 2019 campaign with the Sugar Land Skeeters, also in the Atlantic League. There, he appeared in 53 games and hit .251. A 31-year-old infielder, Jackson embarked on his professional career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization after being selected in the fifth round of the 2009 amateur draft. He spent four seasons in the Cardinals system before making his Major League debut in 2012 at the age of 24. A Florida native, Jackson reached the big leagues with St. Louis the following season, and made his final trip to “The Show” with the Los Angeles Angels in 2015. He appeared in a total of 42 Major League games during his career. Jackson made his Atlantic League debut with the Skeeters in 2017 and has also spent time in the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins organizations. In 1,026 career minor league games, Jackson has a .270 batting average with 218 extra-base hits, 337 RBIs and 415 runs scored.

“Ryan has had success in this league and will bring Major League experience to our clubhouse,” said Bees general manager Brad Smith. “He has the ability to play all over the diamond, and we look forward to his contributions to our club.”

About the Bees The New Britain Bees are Connecticut's lone representatives in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. They are currently in the midst of a six-game home-stand, and will take on the Long Island Ducks today at 12:05 p.m. For information on tickets, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com. —Staff Reports #nbbees @nbbees #BEESBALL #atlanticleague @atlanticleague #baseball