13 YEAR MLB VET APPEARED IN 22 GAMES FOR NEW BRITAIN 

 

(New Britain, Conn., June 25, 2017) – New Britain Bees relief pitcher and 13 year MLB veteran Joe Beimel has announced his retirement from professional baseball.

 

“Joe was a great, veteran clubhouse presence and he will be missed,” said Bees manager Stan Cliburn. “I wish him and his family the best in his retirement.”

 

The 40-year old Beimel was drafted in the 26th round of the 1996 MLB Amateur Draft by the Texas Rangers, and began his professional career after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft out of Duquesne University. The 6-foot 3 left hander made his major league debut on April 8th, 2001 for the Pirates against the Houston Astros. During his Major League career, Beimel suited up for the Pirates (2001-03, 2011), Minnesota Twins (2004), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2005), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-08), Washington Nationals (2009), Colorado Rockies (2009-10), and Seattle Mariners (2014-15), appearing in 676 Major League games. Beimel was the first player to wear the number 97 in Major League history.

 

Beimel twice played in the MLB postseason, in 2008 for the Dodgers and in 2009 for the Rockies. During the 2008 postseason, Beimel made three scoreless appearances for Los Angeles during the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

 

Beimel signed with New Britain on March 22, 2017, and appeared in 22 games for the Bees, registering six saves and a 3-2 record. Across 19 professional seasons, the native of St. Marys, Pennsylvania appeared in 938 games, tallying 57 wins, 777 strikeouts, and 13 saves across 1254 innings.

 

In a corresponding roster move, RHP Kyle Simon has been reinstated to the active roster.

 

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Friday, June 30th to take on the Bridgeport Bluefish in the final series of the Atlantic League’s first half, featuring a chance to win $50,000 and great prizes from Fat Tire on Friday, postgame fireworks and a Stanley Tape Measure giveaway on Saturday, and Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day on Sunday! For tickets, call (860) 826-BEES, visit the New Britain Stadium Box Office, or online at NBBEES.com.

 

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. Tickets for the 2017 season, including Season Tickets and Mini-Plans, 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

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