Bees Announce Berthiaume Retiring as General Manager and Brad Smith to Succeed Him

Gerry Berthiaume has retired as the General Manager of the New Britain Bees, effective immediately, the baseball team has announced.  Vice President of Business Development Brad Smith will now serve as General Manager for the team.

“I want to thank Gerry for his tireless work with the Bees and wish him well in retirement,” said Bees Majority Owner Anthony Iacovone. “At the same time we are excited about the future with Brad Smith and how his leadership will shape this organization in the seasons to come.”

Berthiaume has worked for decades in New Britain baseball. During his time, over two million fans have attended baseball games at Beehive Field and New Britain Stadium. He helped in the process of the designing and building New Britain stadium. He is also credited with overseeing the development of Major League Baseball prospects, including Roger Clemens, Jeff Bagwell, Torii Hunter, David Ortiz and most recently Berlin native Anthony Marzi.

Smith has a long career in baseball, including serving in the president/GM/ownership role from 2005-2015 with the Kannapolis Intimidators, affiliated with the Chicago White Sox, and as Owner and President of the Wilmington Sharks, a summer collegiate team in the Coastal Plain League, from 2014-2016.  Smith worked with both New Britain and the Bridgeport Bluefish during the 2017 season, and now joins the New Britain Bees full-time.

“Brad has a wealth of experience in professional baseball, and brings a unique perspective as a former franchise owner to the General Manager’s position,” said Iacovone.

“I look forward to building upon the foundation that Gerry helped establish with the New Britain Bees,” said Smith. “I eagerly accept the challenge to make the Bees a leader for affordable, family entertainment in Central Connecticut.”

Iacovone added, “I’m excited to have him lead the Bees front office as we look towards 2018 and beyond.”