New Britain is getting a new baseball team and the name will be the New Britain Bees.
“We have a victory, not just for New Britain, but for central Connecticut,” said Bill Dowling, who owned the Rock Cats and served as president and managing partner for the Rock Cats.
The team in new to the Atlantic League and will take the space vacated when the former Rock Cats announced a move to Hartford, where they are now the Yard Goats.
The Bees are not affiliated with a major league baseball team and the new season begins on April 21.
To ensure that baseball would stay in New Britain. Mayor Erin Stewart negotiated a plan to bring an Atlantic League team to the city.
When choosing the name of the team, the three runners up were New Britain Hard Hitters, New Britain Hammer and New Britain Hornets. New Britain Stingers was another suggestion.
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Dowling will have the role of special advisor as the plan comes to fruition.
“We had such a terrific run in New Britain,” said 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”.
The New Britain City Council has put aside money to make improvements to the stadium , including replacing bleachers and adding a fresh coat of paint.
Other plans for the park include a carousel and a rock-climbing wall.
