Tiebreaker Adopted By Atlantic League for 2019 Season

LANCASTER, PA—The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) has announced it has adopted the extra-inning tiebreaker rule currently in effect in all affiliated professional baseball leagues. The rule was unanimously approved by the Atlantic League Board of Directors.

“We are eager to see the extra inning tie-breaker rule implemented during the 2019 Atlantic League season,” said League President Rick White. “There are many potential benefits associated with the rule, including shorter length of games, reduced fatigue among players and umpires, more efficient postgame travel, among others.”

Among the considerations of the ALPB Board was the number of ALPB players who move to Major League Baseball organizations every year. “With dozens of players transferred from the Atlantic League to MLB organizations annually, we felt it was critical to place them in similar circumstances to what theywould encounter as a member of an affiliated club,” said White.

The following is an explanation of the extra-inning tiebreaker rule that will make its Atlantic League debut in 2019:

Extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. The runner at second base will be the player in the batting order position previous to the leadoff batter of the inning (or a substitute for that player). By way of example, if the number five hitter in the batting order is due to lead off the 10th inning, the number four player in the batting order (or a pinch-runner for such player) shall begin the inning on second base. Any runner or batter removed from the game for a substitute shall be ineligible to return to the game, as is the case in all circumstances under the Official Baseball Rules.

For purposes of calculating earned runs under Rule 9.16, the runner who begins an inning on second base pursuant to this rule shall be deemed to be a runner who has reached second base because of a fielding error, but no error shall be charged to the opposing team or to any player. Additionally, the runner who begins an inning on second base would earn a run scored in his statistics should he cross home plate safely in that inning.

The extra-inning tiebreaker rule shall only apply to games played during the Atlantic League’s 140-game regular season. All postseason games will be exempt from this rule and will be played without runners automatically placed on the base paths until a winner is determined.

Founded in 1998, over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The New Britain Bees are Connecticut’s sole representative in the Atlantic League—widely recognized as the No. 1 independent (i.e. unaffiliated) circuit in minor league baseball.

Eat Up!

Speaking of the Bees--the team has announced several “all you can eat” plans that include all you can eat food in one set ticket price for the 2019 season. Fans can purchase as few as five games or as many as the full season with the All-You-Can-Eat option included.

All-Inclusive ticket packages include All You Can Eat Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Dessert, Soft Drinks and Water for only $15 a ticket.

“Families need time together without breaking the bank,” says Bees GM Brad Smith. “Food can be very expensive on top of the ticket price for families attending events. We want to simplify the experience and have one ticket price that allows families to focus on the fun and not worry about over spending.”

For more information and to purchase the five-game, 10-game, or Season Ticket plans, click HERE, visit NBBees.com, or call 860-826-2337.

In addition, the Bees are inviting fans, groups and local business to use the Bees picnic area for group outings, birthday parties, etc. Participants are invited to relax underneath an expanse party tent, enjoy an excellent food and drink menu, and also take in the game from a premium field box seat. Picnics start 30 minutes before the game and food is served until one hour following first pitch.

The all-you-can-eat buffet includes hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, chips, soft drinks, water, and cookies. After the picnic has concluded, all participants will then take their seats together to enjoy the rest of the night's entertainment. Participating groups will be recognized over the PA system as well as the Bee Vision scoreboard during the game.

Groups can book a picnic with a minimum of 25 guests or exclusively reserve this entire area with a minimum 300-person group. This all-you-can-eat picnic options costs $25 per person, and $20 for children 12 and under.

For more information about booking a group outing, please stop by the New Britain Stadium Box Office, call (860) 860-BEES or visit www.nbbees.com.

CLICK HERE to view all of the group outing opportunities the Bees have to offer.

Fundraising Ops

Non-profit organizations have an opportunity to raise up to $5.00 per ticket sold with the Bees. Benefits of a group outing fundraiser include discounted tickets, the chance to raise money for your organization, the ability to enjoy a Bees game with your group from a block of seats, and a scoreboard message welcoming your group to New Britain Stadium. Other group opportunities include National Anthem performances, a Dream Team outing for youth sports team, and pre-game, on-field performances and demonstrations.

“We have built very strong relationships with some of the local non-profit organizations over the past three years we’ve been in New Britain,” said Smith. “This program is a great way to continue supporting those organizations as well as to reach out to other non-profits and start building new relationships.”

For more information about booking a fundraiser, please call (860) 860-BEES, email tickets@nbbees.com or visit www.nbbees.com.

CLICK HERE to view all of the group outing opportunities the Bees have to offer.

—Staff Reports