(New Britain, Conn., Feb. 6, 2018) – The New Britain Bees today announced that outfielder Ryan Kalish is the first player signing of the 2018 season.

“We’re excited to announce our first signing of the year, which means that baseball season is getting closer,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “Ryan brings Major League experience to the club and is the first step in our quest to capture an Atlantic League Championship in 2018.”

Kalish joins the Bees for his Atlantic League debut and 10^th season of professional baseball. The former big leaguer last played in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs organization. He began the year with Triple-A Iowa of the Pacific Coast League, batting .368 in 21 games, which earned him a call-up to the Major League roster. The slugger appeared in seven games with the eventual World Series Champion Cubs before an injury ended his campaign.

The 29-year-old began his professional career with the Boston Red Sox after being selected in the ninth round of the 2006 amateur draft. He rose quickly through the Red Sox farm system, making his Major League debut in 2010. Ryan would again make an appearance in the big leagues with Boston in 2012, before joining the Cubs organization. In 153 career Major League games, he owns a .245 batting average with 27 extra-base hits, 36 RBI, 52 runs scored and 16 stolen bases.

Over the course of 532 career minor league games, Kalish has comprised a .278 batting average with 53 home runs, 256 RBI, 320 runs scored, 112 stolen bases, and a .363 on-base percentage.

All New Britain Bees transactions are presented by ACES. ACES is dedicated to enhancing and transforming lives through education, innovations, and leadership. Visit https://www.aces.org/ for more information.

About the New Britain Bees
The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, 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 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 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.

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