(New Britain, Conn., May 29, 2018) – The New Britain Bees today announced the signing of catcher Josh Thole.

“Josh will bring an extensive amount of big league experience to our club and we’re glad to have him on board,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “He’s a professional hitter and will work great with our veteran pitching staff.”

Josh Thole joins the Bees for his Atlantic League debut and 13^th season of professional baseball. The former big leaguer last played in 2016 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, where he appeared in 50 games with the big league club.

The 31-year-old began his professional career with the New York Mets after being selected in the 13^th round of the 2005 amateur draft. After five impressive seasons in the Mets organization, he made his big league debut with New York in 2009 at the age of 22. Thole spent four years in the big leagues with the Mets, including two stints as their starting catcher in 2011 and 2012. He was then traded to the Blue Jays in 2013 in a package with Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey for Noah Syndergaard and Travis D'Arnaud. The backstop would then spend four campaigns with Toronto. In 478 career Major League games over eight seasons, he posted a .242 batting average with 65 extra base hits, 111 RBI, and 99 runs scored.

Over the course of 538 career minor league games, Josh has comprised a .286 batting average with 17 home runs, 106 doubles, 227 RBI, 220 runs scored, and a .371 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. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

###