THIRD BASEMAN HAS PLAYED EVERY GAME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

 

(New Britain, Conn., February 24, 2017) New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has re-signed third baseman Jovan Rosa for the 2017 season. Rosa becomes the second Connecticut resident to sign with the Bees for the upcoming season, joining Berlin native Anthony Marzi.

 

Acquired in a trade with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs prior to the 2016 Inaugural Season, the Santurce, Puerto Rico born Rosa became a mainstay in the Bees lineup last season, becoming the third player in Atlantic League of Professional Baseball history to appear in all 140 regular season games. The 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. infielder led the Bees in games played, home runs (13) and doubles (31), while batting .283 and driving in 59 runs. The East Hartford High School graduate tallied the first triple in team history as well as the first run batted in, and hit the first grand slam for the franchise with his blast against the Long Island Ducks on May 28th, 2016. Rosa, who appeared at both third and first base in 2016, started the team’s first ever triple play from the hot corner against Southern Maryland on July 2nd as part of a Bees victory.

 

Rosa was one of seven Bees to represent the team in the 2016 Atlantic League All-Star Game in Lancaster, PA, collecting a hit and playing the entire game at third for the Liberty Division. The 29-year-old enters his third Atlantic League season, and split the 2015 season with the Bridgeport Bluefish and Southern Maryland. Rosa was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft, before signing with the Chicago Cubs after the Cubs drafted him in the 22nd round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft. Rosa spent parts of three seasons in the Cubs organization, and has played independent baseball in the Can-Am and Frontier Leagues as well. In nine professional seasons, Rosa has played 805 games, accumulating 794 hits, 197 doubles, 60 home runs, and a career .271 batting average.

 

“Having a player like Jovan that you can pencil into your lineup every night is what every manager looks for,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “Getting Rosa re-signed was a top priority this offseason, and I’m thrilled to have him back in New Britain. He was a vital part of our success last season, and I’m excited to have him at the core of our roster in 2017.” 

 

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 and Mini-Plans 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

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