News & Stories

Bees Finalize Opening Day Roster

(New Britain, Conn., Apr. 26, 2018) – The New Britain Bees today announced the signings of outfielder Darren Ford, and infielders Vinny Siena and Manny Ramirez, Jr..

“We’re excited for the start of the 2018 season and believe we have a roster that will compete for the Atlantic League Championship,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “Darren is a veteran outfielder who is impressive with both his bat and glove. Vinny is a local talent that gives us versatility by being able to play anywhere in the infield, while Manny is a young, talented ballplayer that adds some power to our lineup.”

Darren Ford joins the Bees for his second season in the Atlantic League and 14th of professional baseball. The former big leaguer spent last year with the Somerset Patriots, appearing in 19 games and posting a .243 batting average with 10 RBI, 13 runs scored, and nine stolen bases.

The 32-year-old began his professional career with the Milwaukee Brewers after being selected in the 18th round of the 2004 amateur draft. He spent four seasons with the Brewers organization before being traded to the San Francisco Giants as part of a deal for Ray Durham. After two successful campaigns in the minors with San Francisco, Ford made his Major League debut in 2010 for the eventual World Series Champion Giants. He would again appear in the big leagues with San Francisco the following season. The speedster appeared in a combined 33 games during his big league career, collecting a .286 batting average with eight runs scored, and nine stolen bases.

Over the course of 1,209 career minor league games, Darren has comprised a .264 batting average with 59 home runs, 423 RBI, 740 runs scored, and 459 stolen bases.

Vinny Siena joins the Bees for his first season in the Atlantic League and fourth of professional baseball. Last year, the CT-native split time between Single-A St. Lucie and Single-A Colombia of the New York Mets organization, appearing in 69 combined games.

The 25-year-old was drafted by the Mets in the 14th round of the 2015 MLB amateur draft out of the University of Connecticut. He spent three years in the New York Mets farm system.

In 252 career minor league games, Siena owns a .243 batting average with 50 extra-base hits, 70 RBI, and 129 runs scored.

Manny Ramirez, Jr. comes to New Britain for his Atlantic League debut during his first season of professional baseball. The slugger recently graduated from the University of San Francisco, where he appeared in 42 games and collected a .267 batting average in 2017.

The 22-year-old is the son of former Boston Red Sox star Manny Ramirez.

In a corresponding roster move, the Bees have released pitcher Josh Blanco.

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. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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