(New Britain, Conn., October 12, 2017) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) today announced that Bees catcher James Skelton and outfielder Michael Crouse have been named to the Red, White and Blue All-Defensive Team. Players were selected through voting from league club managers, executives and media.

“We’re glad to see James and Michael receive these honors,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “They worked very hard last season and gave it their all every time they took the field.”

James Skelton led the Atlantic League with 114 games played at catcher, while throwing out a league high 33 runners from behind the plate. He also posted a .988 fielding percentage behind the dish with 63 assists.

Michael Crouse paced the Atlantic League with 131 games played in the outfield, recording a .986 fielding percentage with 333 putouts and 12 assists. He also made one of the most spectacular catches of the season on June 26^th against the Lancaster Barnstomers at Clipper Magazine Stadium, robbing Lancaster’s KC Hobson of a homerun to become the #1 play on ESPN’s SportCenter Top 10 later that evening. CLICK HERE to watch the amazing catch.

The entire 2017 Atlantic League All-Defensive Team can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. The remainder of this year’s honors will be announced next week, including Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Manager of the Year, and other club honors.

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 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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