NEW BRITAIN – On Thursday morning at a press conference at New Britain City Hall, team officials announced “Bees” as the winning selection for the team nickname of the Atlantic League’s New Britain baseball team.
In attendance were New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, newly named Team Special Advisor Bill Dowling, Principal Owner Frank Boulton, Partner/Advisor Michael Pfaff and Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein.
“Bees” was chosen from a final list of five, which included Stingers, Hornets, Hammer, and Hard Hitters. Winners from the public “Name the Team” fan vote were on hand as well to receive prizes, including 2016 season tickets and suites.
During the press conference, two team logos were unveiled, along with team colors of gold and black.
New Britain’s nickname, the “Hardware City”, is inspired by its manufacturing heritage, as well as its status as home to Stanley Black & Decker, a world leading provider of tools and storage. Its motto – – “Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey” – – is a direct reference to this robust history and inspired the new Bees’ identity.
The New Britain Bees are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and will begin play at New Britain Stadium in April of 2016. For further information visit the newly launched website here.
Dowling, of East Haddam, and the longtime Rock Cats president and managing partner who led that Eastern League franchise over 12 seasons, has been named the Bees’ Special Advisor. He led an investment group that purchased the Rock Cats franchise from owner/operator Joe Buzas in February of 2000.
“We had such a terrific run in New Britain”, said Dowling in a statement. “The players, the staff, my partners and I – were all blessed to have been on the receiving end of great support and affection for over a decade. I am thus delighted to now be assisting Frank and in a position to give back to a community and regional fan base that was so generous to us”.
“We’re excited to add Bill to our growing team,” said Boulton in a statement. “His institutional knowledge will be invaluable as he assists us in the community, with sponsor relations and aiding with initial staffing.”
The former New Britain Rock Cats franchise is in the process of moving to Hartford to become the Yard Goats.
The Bees are not affiliated with a major league baseball team and their new season begins on April 21.
