Bees Ink Two

NEW BRITAIN—The New Britain Bees today announced the signings of infielder Taylor Motter and pitcher Devin Burke.

Taylor Motter joins the Bees for his ninth season of professional baseball, and his first in the Atlantic League. Prior to joining the Bees, Motter appeared in 10 games for AA Erie in  the Detroit Tigers organization this season. The 29-year-old was selected in the 17th round of the 2011 amateur draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. After six seasons in the Tampa Bay organization, he made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2016. The following season, Motter was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he would spend the next two campaigns in the majors. Overall, he appeared in 143 career MLB games, with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases.

In 675 career minor league games, Taylor has compiled a .262 batting average with 73 home runs, 318 RBI, 357 runs scored, and 141 stolen bases.

Devin Burke returns to the Bees for his sixth season of professional baseball and second in the Atlantic League. Last year with New Britain, the right-hander appeared in 24 games (nine starts) and posted a 4-2 record with a 4.14 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. Prior to coming to New Britain, the 28-year-old spent his entire professional career with the Rockies beginning in 2013, reaching as high at the Triple-A level.

Born in New York City and raised in Darien, Burke has earned 22 wins with a 4.28 ERA and 328 strikeouts in 416.1 innings in 116 minor league appearances—55 of them starts.

“These two players will be important pieces of our roster,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “Taylor is a seasoned Major League veteran whose versatility will be a big asset, while Devin returns to the club after a successful year with us in 2018.”

The Bees will start a three-game trip to Lancaster, PA, where they will challenge the Barnstormers starting tonight. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. (ET). A live video stream is available by clicking HERE. The Bees return home on Friday night to open a three-game Memorial Day Weekend series with the High Point (NC) Rockers—the team formerly known as the Bridgeport Bluefish. First pitch on Friday is slated for 7 p.m. ET.

Upcoming Promotions

Fat Tire Friday/ Bees’ Best Bites Wing Night – May 24, 6:35 p.m. vs. High Point Rockers
Close out the week with a great ball game and a cold beer. Fat Tire Belgian Ale drafts are just $5 at any concession stand all night long. Friday will also be– When the gates open at 5:35 p.m., all fans are welcome to participate in Bees’ Best Bites Wing Night, where fans sample and vote for their favorite local food. All you have to do is pay $5 for a wristband and try wings from local restaurants. Then, vote for your favorite wings for a chance to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets to any Bees game. Wristbands for the event are available at the front gate.  CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Coors Light Saturday Night/Breast Cancer Awareness Night – May 25, 6:35 p.m. vs. High Point Rockers
Come show your support for all who are affected by breast cancer. The first 500 fans will also receive a bag of chocolate baseballs, courtesy of Thompson Chocolate. Coors Light drafts will be just $5 at all concession stands. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

YMCA Family Fun Day – Sunday, May 26, 1:35 p.m. vs. High Point Rockers
Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field for an autograph session with the Bees. After the game, kids can take the field and run the bases. All Bees Kid’s Club members can also attend the game for free. If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign your child up to be a member of the Bees Kid’s Club. Plus, everyone will have the chance to purchase a YMCA Family 4-Pack for just $44. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

—Staff Reports