By Bob Phillips
NEW BRITAIN—Here’s a fact: The Atlantic
League of Professional Baseball and the State of Connecticut were not a good
match. Although widely accepted as the leading independent (i.e. unaffiliated)
circuit in minor league baseball, two franchises tried, and failed, in the
Nutmeg State. First the Bridgeport Bluefish folded up their tent two years ago
and, after competing for a year as the “Road Warriors,” relocated in High
Point, NC, as the Rockers. And now, after four season in New Britain after
moving from Camden, NJ, where they were known as the Riversharks, the Bees have
thrown in the towel and the franchise will again be operated by the league as
the Road Warriors, playing every single game on the road in 2020. (Doesn’t that
sound like an appealing proposition for players and the coaching staff?) The
official Atlantic League website maintains that “The league has
utilized the Road Warriors in a number of seasons past, most recently in 2018,
and the ALPB expects to return to a full complement of eight home communities
in 2021.”
Where that may be is anyone’s guess.
Operating
a successful independent franchise, with absolutely no support from a MLB organization
in terms of operating expenses (player and management salaries, stadium rental
and/or maintenance, travel, etc.) is, obviously, a daunting proposition. A few
teams can pull it off. Most can’t. In the long run, Bridgeport and New Britain
were not among them.
That
leaves the state with just two (2) minor league teams: The highly successful
Hartford Yard Goats, the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies,
and the Connecticut Tigers, the Class A New York/Penn Rookie League affiliate
of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are based in Norwich and play their home
games at Dodd Stadium from late June through early September.
Which
doesn’t mean that no baseball at all will be played at New Britain Stadium in
2020. Indeed, the Bees will still be occupants there. They will, however, be
members of the amateur Futures Collegiate Baseball League. [Think Cape Cod
Summer League.] A short-season league, the Bees’ home opener will be on Thursday,
May 28, at 10:35 a.m. and will conclude on Sunday, August 2 at 1:35 p.m. The
2020 schedule is highlighted by New Britain Stadium hosting the 2020 FCBL
All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14, which will be followed by the season’s
biggest fireworks show of the year.
In 2020, Bees baseball be played at New Britain Stadium on 13 weekend dates (Friday-Sunday) including five in July. In all, New Britain Stadium will host to 29 Bees games in 2020. Promotions will include a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. The full promotional schedule will be released in April.
“We’re excited to be a new member of the Futures League,” said Bees GM Brad Smith. “While our league affiliation has changed, one thing will not – our commitment to providing Central Connecticut the best entertainment value and most affordable way to spend their discretionary dollar.”
Ticket packages, with prices starting at just $5 a ticket, are on sale now by calling 860-826-BEES (2337) or by emailing sscarpati@nbbees.com. For more information, visit www.NBBees.com.
The 2020 FCBL All-Star identity (see logo, above) was developed by Skye Design Studios (“SDS”), a national leader in sport branding and identity design based in Florham Park, NJ.
“All-Star events are a great opportunity to celebrate both the host city and club in a fun and memorable way,” said Skye Dillon, owner of SDS. “New Britain's motto, ‘Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey,’ was a natural starting point for this particular identity, and its nickname ‘Hard-Hittin’ New Britain’ gave us another unique layer—and convenient baseball reference—to integrate. Likewise, the design takes on the same style as the Bees’ team branding and features a hard-hittin' Sting above the newest city landmark, the Beehive Bridge.”
For a 2020 Bees schedule, click HERE
About the Bees
The New Britain Bees are members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, and 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.
About the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
The FCBL is made up of seven teams from various parts of New England, each of which plays 28 home games and 28 away games. Each franchise is made up of elite collegiate athletes competing in a minor league-style format. Each franchise provides high quality, affordable entertainment, in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. At least 50 percent of the players on each team must be from New England or attend college in New England. For further information, visit www.thefuturesleague.com
In 2020, Bees baseball be played at New Britain Stadium on 13 weekend dates (Friday-Sunday) including five in July. In all, New Britain Stadium will host to 29 Bees games in 2020. Promotions will include a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. The full promotional schedule will be released in April.
“We’re excited to be a new member of the Futures League,” said Bees GM Brad Smith. “While our league affiliation has changed, one thing will not – our commitment to providing Central Connecticut the best entertainment value and most affordable way to spend their discretionary dollar.”
Ticket packages, with prices starting at just $5 a ticket, are on sale now by calling 860-826-BEES (2337) or by emailing sscarpati@nbbees.com. For more information, visit www.NBBees.com.
The 2020 FCBL All-Star identity (see logo, above) was developed by Skye Design Studios (“SDS”), a national leader in sport branding and identity design based in Florham Park, NJ.
“All-Star events are a great opportunity to celebrate both the host city and club in a fun and memorable way,” said Skye Dillon, owner of SDS. “New Britain's motto, ‘Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey,’ was a natural starting point for this particular identity, and its nickname ‘Hard-Hittin’ New Britain’ gave us another unique layer—and convenient baseball reference—to integrate. Likewise, the design takes on the same style as the Bees’ team branding and features a hard-hittin' Sting above the newest city landmark, the Beehive Bridge.”
For a 2020 Bees schedule, click HERE
About the Bees
The New Britain Bees are members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, and 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.
About the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
The FCBL is made up of seven teams from various parts of New England, each of which plays 28 home games and 28 away games. Each franchise is made up of elite collegiate athletes competing in a minor league-style format. Each franchise provides high quality, affordable entertainment, in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. At least 50 percent of the players on each team must be from New England or attend college in New England. For further information, visit www.thefuturesleague.com
—With staff reports
@FuturesLeague / @thefutures.league / @NewBritainBees / #BEESBALL
No comments:
Post a Comment