VETERAN RETURNS TO THE HARDWARE CITY AS PLAYER/HITTING COACH AFTER LEADING BEES IN BATTING DURING INAUGURAL SEASON

(New Britain, Conn., February 8, 2017) New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has re-signed Designated Hitter and Hitting Coach Craig Maddox for the 2017 season. Maddox is the first player to sign in New Britain in 2017.

Acquired from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs prior to the 2016 Inaugural season, Maddox hit .306 last year, a career high, to lead the Bees and finish ninth in average in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Maddox appeared in 126 games for New Britain in 2016, second only to Jovan Rosa’s 140, and hit 10 home runs, 21 doubles and five triples while driving in 56 runs. Maddox was also one of six Bees to represent the Liberty Division at the 2016 Atlantic League All-Star game in Lancaster. Primarily serving as the Bees’ Designated Hitter, Maddox also appeared at first base, third base, and in right field during the season.

A native of Locust Grove, Georgia, Maddox is entering his third full season in the Atlantic League, and ninth season in independent baseball. Signed by the Detroit Tigers after playing in college for Southeastern University, Maddox also spent time in the Atlanta Braves organization. Between affiliated and independent baseball, Maddox has played in 704 professional games, and set career highs in games played (126), runs (56), hits (156), triples (5), average, and runs batted in (56) last season.

“Craig is a vital part of both our team and staff, and we’re very excited to welcome him back for 2017,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “He put together a career year last season at the plate, and slotting him in the lineup each day was a huge boost to the team. With Craig re-signed, we look forward to building a strong roster around him for the upcoming season.”

In addition to his primary role as the Bees’ Designated Hitter, Maddox will once again serve as the team’s hitting coach during the 2017 season.

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, playing all home games at New Britain Stadium. Season Tickets and Mini-Plans for the 2017 season are available by calling 860-826-BEES (2337), online at NBBees.com, or by visiting the New Britain Bees’ Front Office.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com