New Britain Bees manager Stan Cliburn announced Jason Blanton as the team's pitching coach for the 2016 season on February 8th, 2016

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.