Thursday, March 28, 2019

Bees, Brakettes To Square Off Again


NEW BRITAIN—The New Britain Bees, Connecticut’s sole representative in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, have announced that their rivalry with the Stratford Brakettes women’s fastpitch softball team will continue this season for the second consecutive year. This year’s ‘Battle of the Sexes’ will be held on Sunday, July 21st at New Britain Stadium. The game will be a nine-inning contest played under fast-pitch softball rules.

While unique, this is not the first time that there has been a Battle of the Sexes game between professional baseball and softball teams. The first time the Brakettes faced a professional baseball team in their organizations history was back in 2014. From 2014-17 the Brakettes played in a Battle of the Sexes against the late, great Bridgeport Bluefish, whom the Park City forsook in favor of a music amphitheater that was supposed to open this year, but has experienced construction delays and, frankly, may never happen.

This this year will mark the second Battle of the Sexes game against the New Britain Bees at New Britain Stadium. The Bees won the inaugural matchup last season by a score of 3-2. The first time a player from the Brakettes entered Connecticut to play a professional baseball team was back in the August of 1961 where Legendary Brakette pitcher Joan Joyce faced Hall of Fame Boston Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams in a charity event in Waterbury, and struck him out.

“This is a fun, exciting and unique opportunity that offers something special for all fans in this region,” said Bees general manager Brad Smith. “The Bees are pleased to team up with the Brakettes again and look forward to another thrilling Battle of the Sexes game at New Britain Stadium.”

The Brakettes, who play their home games at Frank Deluca Hall of Fame Field in Stratford, are the longest-running competitive fastpitch softball team in the United States, beginning  their 73rd consecutive season on June 1. They have won 28 National Amateur Softball Association Championships and seven Women's Major Sofball National Championships and have produced 22 National A.S.A. Hall of Famers and 13 Olympians. Since 2010 the Brakettes have a 489-26 overall record, which includes 25 invitational tournament titles and a national record 168 game winning streak. Manager John Stratton's club also had unbeaten seasons in 2011 (63-0) and 2013 (68-0). For additional information on the Brakettes, visit  www.brakettes.com.

This year’s ‘Battle of the Sexes’ will start at 7 p.m., with gates at New Britain Stadium opening at 6:00 p.m. Field Box tickets are $11, Box seats are $10, and Bleacher tickets are $8. There will also be special group and suite rental rates. Tickets are available by clicking HERE. Contact a Bees representative at 860-626-BEES or go to www.nbbees.com for more information.

The Atlantic League is widely recognized as the leading independent (i.e. unaffiliated) circuit in minor league baseball.  The Bees play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on tickets packages, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.


#nbbees @nbbees #brakettes #atlanticleague

—Staff Reports

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