Page "New Britain Rock Cats" Paragraph 2

As Beehive Field became outdated and new facilities began to pop up in other cities around the league, Buzas was faced with the choice of staying in New Britain and building a new stadium, versus moving the franchise again.

The Red Sox front office, led by Dan Duquette supported the idea of moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, because it was closer to their fan base and closer to the Western Massachusetts home of Duquette.

Ultimately, however, in August 1994, Buzas decided to keep the franchise in New Britain.

The Red Sox promptly pulled their affiliation, and moved it to Trenton, New Jersey, which was actually farther away from the fan base.

For the 1995 season, Buzas, who owned the Salt Lake Buzz ( Minnesota triple A ), signed a new development agreement with the Minnesota Twins, and this affiliation has continued since.

During the 1995 season ( their only season in Beehive Field ), the team was known as the Hardware City Rock Cats, a reference to New Britain's nickname " The Hardware City ".

The current ballpark, New Britain Stadium, opened in 1996.

The team name changed to the current " New Britain " Rock Cats in 1997.

Stanley Works continues to be a significant sponsor of the team and ballpark.