10/18/2016 8:05 AM -
Bees Skipper Achieved 500th victory in New Britain, 1,600th career victory during Inaugural Season
(New Britain, Conn., October 18, 2016) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that Bees manager Stan Cliburn has been named the 2016 Atlantic League Manager of the Year. The award marks the first individual award for a member of the New Britain Bees roster and staff and the first time that Cliburn has achieved this honor in his Atlantic League career. The award recognizes Cliburn's efforts in building the roster of the expansion Atlantic League club and guiding them to a winning record (71-69) right out of the gate.
"Stan did a tremendous job putting the team together and providing the fans of New Britain a playoff chase that lasted until the final weekend," said Bees Principal Owner Frank Boulton. "He's been a winner everywhere he's gone and we feel fortunate to have him leading our on field team."
Cliburn came to the Bees after spending the 2015 season with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, whom he led to a Freedom Division title and the ALPB Championship Series appearance. The native of Jackson, Mississippi started his managerial career in 1988 with the New York-Penn League Watertown Pirates after a playing career that saw him reach the Major League level with the California Angels. His greatest success as a manager came in New Britain as manager of the Rock Cats from 2001-05, where he led the Minnesota Twins AA affiliate to 431 wins and the 2001 Eastern League co-Championship. In 2001, Cliburn was named Eastern League Manager of the Year.
“The one thing you know about a Stan Cliburn managed team is they will play the game hard and carry themselves right on and off the field,” said New Britain Bees General Manager Patrick Day. “Being a first year club, we had to build the roster virtually from scratch, and Stan did a fabulous job melding the personalities into a cohesive team that stayed in playoff contention the entire season. He is truly deserving of this award and I couldn’t be more excited for him.”
Cliburn has also led teams in the American Association, the Arizona Fall League, and at the AAA level for the Minnesota Twins (Rochester, 2006-09). During his managerial career, Cliburn has won 502 games leading New Britain baseball teams, and 1,617 games overall, achieving his 1,600th career win with a 7-0 victory over the Long Island Ducks on August 18th.
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball also announced that Jeremy Barfield (Sugar Land) has been named Player of the Year, Jonathan Albaladejo (Bridgeport) has been named Pitcher of the Year and Eric Farris (Somerset) has been awarded the Rawlings Gold Glove Defensive Player of the Year. Click
HERE for a full release.
The Atlantic League will announce the final set of 2016 awards on October 20th, which includes the Ken Shepard Award for Promotional Excellence, the Joe Klein Executive of the Year, the Ray Cipperly Grounds Keeping Award, Mascot of the Year, Ballpark of the Year, Promotion of the Year and Outstanding Community Service Award
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 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.
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