Veteran Joins Cliburn's Staff

(New Britain, Conn., Feb. 8, 2016) – New Britain Bees manager Stan Cliburn today announced Jason Blanton as the team's pitching coach for the 2016 season.

"Jason is an excellent addition to our staff," said Cliburn. "He is a very highly thought of former player and coach in the game of professional baseball and I'm looking forward to working with him in bringing a winner to Central Connecticut."

Blanton comes to the Bees after serving as pitching coach for the Everett AquaSox (A, Mariners) in 2015. Blanton helped lead Everett to a 42-34 record and 3.97 team ERA. His pitching staff allowed less hits (621) than innings pitched (679.1) for the year. Born in San Antonio, Blanton was originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 28th round of the June, 1998 draft but he opted to attend college. In 2001, he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round of the June draft out of North Carolina State and began his pro career. In addition to his time in the Cubs minor league system, Blanton also pitched in the Atlantic League, seeing action with the Nashua Pride, Long Island Ducks and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs during an 8-year professional playing career.

"The Atlantic League is a very high level of play and a place where I feel I can help players and make an impact," said Blanton. "We're going to work hard to win games and help players get signed by big league clubs."

The New Britain Bees are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and begin their inaugural season of play at New Britain Stadium on April 21. For further information please visit NBBees.com, email [email protected], or call 860-826-BEES (2337).
 

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