Bees Add Southpaw

NEW BRITAIN—The New Britain Bees today announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Michael Johnson. This will be Johnson’s maiden voyage in the Atlantic League in this, his seventh season of professional baseball. Last year, the southpaw split time between AAA Oklahoma City and AAA Tulsa in the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 43 combined appearances, he posted a 4.95 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 67.1 innings pitched.

Originally drafted by the Dodgers out of Dartmouth in the 14th round of the 2013 MLB amateur draft, the Massachusetts-native spent his entire professional career with the Dodgers, reaching as high at the AAA  level. Overall, the 28-year-old has appeared in 245 minor league games and has compiled an overall record of 24-12 with a 3.30 ERA and 379 strikeouts in 346.1 innings.

With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the Atlantic League is widely recognized as the leading independent baseball circuit in the United States. A leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball, the Atlantic League enjoys an exclusive partnership with Major League Baseball  in which the Atlantic League tests rules and equipment initiatives  for MLB. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million throughout its 22-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

About the Bees

Connecticut’s only independent (i.e. unaffiliated) minor league team, the New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on tickets, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.

School Day Game

This morning, the Bees will host a School Day Game, presented by Whitson’s Catering. First pitch is slated for 10:30 a.m. For tickets, click HERE.

—Staff Reports