Bees Buzz Into 2019 With Berlin Legend At the Helm

NEW BRITAIN, CT — In the shadow of the ballfield where he pitched in the state championship game for Berlin High School 35 years ago, former big league hurler Mauro Gozzo has come full circle, as he assumes the role of manager of the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

In 1984, Gozzo pitched the Redcoats into the Class M title contest against archrival Plainville, a game which was played at Beehive Field, adjacent to the current New Britain Stadium.

Last year, "Goose" returned to his native area as pitching coach for the Bees, and was elevated to manager this season when former skipper Wally Backman took on the same post with the Long Island Ducks.

"This is awesome and exciting, whether it's in my back yard or not," Gozzo said Wednesday during Media Day at the stadium. "I'm managing professional baseball players who have competed on a very high level, and to be able to do it in my back yard on top of that, in a state I know very well - it's an honor."

Gozzo, who grew up on Newton Street - "just a couple of good drives from here" - presides over a roster filled with 20 players with either Major League Baseball or Triple-A experience.

"We have an exciting roster and it's going to be an exciting year," he said. "We have a great combination of returning players and have sprinkled in some players we've added."

Among the veteran returnees is outfielder Darren Ford, a former San Francisco Giant who is entering his 15th season of professional ball. Last year, in his first season with the Bees, the speedy outfielder batted .276 with 36 stolen bases, giving him 533 for his pro career.

"My job is getting on base, stealing bases and causing havoc on the basepaths," Ford said. "Whatever we need, I'm ready to go lay and have fun. I love the city and the front office; we've got a great group of guys here."

In addition to Gozzo, four Connecticut products will represent their home state on the opening day roster: pitchers Anthony Marzi (Berlin) and Christian Deleon (Meriden), catcher Tyler Clark (Cheshire) and infielder Jovan Rosa (East Hartford).

The Bees open the 2019 campaign Friday, April 26 in New Jersey against the Somerset Patriots. The home opener is slated for Friday, May 3, also against Somerset, at 6:35 p.m.

More information about the team can be obtained at www.nbbees.com.