(New Britain, Conn., October 20, 2016) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that New Britain Bees Partner Michael Pfaff has been named the 2016 Joe Klein Atlantic League Executive of the Year. The New Britain Bees organization has also been awarded the Atlantic League’s 2016 Outstanding Community Service Award.

“We are fortunate to have fostered a wonderful partnership with the New Britain Bees,” said New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart. “The leadership of the team and league has shown a deep interest in creating an inviting family-friendly venue and in giving back to our community. The quality of baseball from this year’s inaugural season is testament to this and their generosity over the last several months has been tremendous. I applaud Michael and the Bees organization for these recognitions.”

Pfaff, a resident of Sayville, New York, was an instrumental part in keeping baseball in New Britain, partnering with Bees owner and Atlantic League of Professional Baseball founder Frank Boulton to bring the franchise to New Britain Stadium. Pfaff facilitated both the hiring of Bees General Manager Patrick Day and 2016 Atlantic League Manager of the Year Stan Cliburn, as well as the lease negations with the City of New Britain for the team’s use of New Britain Stadium. Pfaff also negotiated a number of sponsorships on behalf of the organization, including the Bees’ agreement with Stanley Black & Decker as the team’s presenting sponsor.

In addition to his duties as partner with the New Britain Bees, Pfaff is also the President and General Manager of the Long Island Ducks, who won the 2016 Liberty Division Championship. In addition to the Ducks’ on field success in 2016, Pfaff was instrumental in Long Island becoming the first Atlantic League franchise to welcome its 7 millionth fan, achieving the milestone at Bethpage Ballpark on September 11. 

This is the third time that Pfaff has been honored as the Atlantic League’s top executive, after also receiving the award in 2008 and 2010. Bees General Manager Patrick Day was named the 2015 Joe Klein Atlantic League Executive of the Year while with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

During inaugural Atlantic League season, the New Britain Bees organization was heavily involved in the Central Connecticut community. Between Sting, the Bees’ mascot, and player appearances, New Britain participated in well over 100 community events, including school and hospital visits. The Bees also donated over 140 ticket and suite packages to local non-profit organizations for use at fundraisers. In addition to appearances and donations, New Britain hosted a book drive sponsored by River Valley Wealth Management during the early part of the season to help replace books at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library that had been damaged by a flood. The Bees also worked with Whitson’s Culinary Group to provide tickets to the Consolidated School District of New Britain for the Bees’ first-ever Baseball in Education game on April 27th. 

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by the Atlantic League for our community involvement in our inaugural season,” said Bees General Manager Patrick Day. “Community outreach is incredibly important in minor league baseball, and we’re looking forward to expanding our programs of service in Central Connecticut in the seasons to come.”

The Bees partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain for four community nights at New Britain Stadium throughout the season. Each Community Foundation Night focused on a specific town in Central Connecticut, with the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain and Bees donating tickets to local youth groups and programs in celebration of the Foundation’s 75th anniversary year making Greater New Britain a vibrant place to work, live and raise a family.

“Our partnership with the Bees was a home run by all counts and we congratulate the organization on this well-deserved award,” said Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Acting President Bob Trojanowski. “The fun, family-oriented atmosphere at New Britain Stadium made for the ideal venue to celebrate our diamond anniversary by giving back a little bit more to the communities we serve.”

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.

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com

###