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2016 Atlantic League earned run average leader returns for second season in New Britain

(New Britain, Conn., March 6, 2017) - New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has re-signed pitcher Kyle Simon for the 2017 season. Simon returns to New Britain after leading the Atlantic League in earned run average in 2016.

Signed as a free agent before the 2016 Inaugural Season, Simon enters his third Atlantic League season after spending 2015 with the Lancaster Barnstormers and 2016 with the Bees. The 26-year old native of Long Beach, California started 20 games for New Britain last season, and finished the year with eight wins and a league leading 2.77 ERA. Simon tossed 120.1 innings for the Bees and struck out 67 batters, both career highs for the 6-foot-6, 220lbs right hander. Simon also started the 2016 Atlantic League All-Star Game in Lancaster, pitching a shutout inning for the Liberty Division.

Originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Simon spent four seasons in affiliated baseball in both the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies systems, reaching Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs during the 2014 season. The University of Arizona alum was traded from Baltimore to Philadelphia as part of a package for veteran slugger Jim Thome in 2012. Across six professional seasons, Simon has appeared in 205 games, including 44 starts, and has registered 284 strikeouts in 454.2 innings. His first career complete game, and first career shutout, took place for the Bees on June 23rd against the Somerset Patriots, a two-hit shutout that took 1:59 minutes to play.

“Kyle goes right after hitters,” said Bees manager Stan Cliburn. “He was a vital part of our pitching staff last year, and will be a major part of this year’s. He works quickly, gets ground ball outs, and is competitive every time he takes the ball. Every time he’s on the mound, he gives the team a strong chance to win, and I’m looking forward to having him back this season.”

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. Individual game tickets for the 2017 season go on sale at New Britain Stadium starting on March 18th at 10 am. Season Tickets and Mini-Plans 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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