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{{short description|American Minor League baseball team}}
{{No footnotes|{{subst:12/11/13}}}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{MiLB infobox
{{No footnotes|article|date=December 2013}}
|name = Burlington Bees
{{Infobox baseball team
|founded = 1924
|city = Burlington, Iowa
| name = Burlington Bees
|misc =
| founded = {{start date and years ago |1924}}
|logo = Burlingtonbees2006.PNG
| city = [[Burlington, Iowa]]
|uniformlogo = BurlingtonBeesCapLogo.PNG
| logo = Burlingtonbees2006.PNG
| cap_logo = BurlingtonBeesCapLogo.PNG
|class level = Single-A
| league = [[Prospect League]] (2021–present)
|past class level=
| division = Western Conference – Northwest Division
|current league = [[Midwest League]] (1962-present)
| former_leagues = {{plainlist|
|conference =
* [[Midwest League]] (1962–2020)
|division = Western Division
|past league = *[[Three-I League]] (1952-1961)
* [[Three-I League]] (1952–1961)
*[[Central Association]] (1947-1949)
* [[Central Association]] (1908–1916; 1947–1949)
*[[Mississippi Valley League]] (1924-1932)
* [[Mississippi Valley League]] (1924–1932)
* [[Iowa League of Professional Baseball Clubs]] (1904–1907)
|majorleague = [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] (2013-present)
* [[Western Association]] (1895, 1896–1998)
|pastmajorleague = [[Oakland Athletics]] (2011-2012)
*[[Kansas City Royals]] (2001-2010)
* [[Eastern Iowa League]] (1895)
*[[Chicago White Sox]] (1999-2000)
* [[Illinois-Iowa League]] (1890)
* [[Central Interstate League]] (1889–1890)
*[[Cincinnati Reds]] (1997-1998)
*[[San Francisco Giants]] (1995-1996)
*[[Montreal Expos]] (1993-1994)
*[[Houston Astros]] (1991-1992)
*[[Atlanta Braves]] (1988-1990)
*[[Montreal Expos]] (1986-1987)
*[[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] (1982-1985)
*[[Milwaukee Brewers]] (1975-1981)
*[[Oakland Athletics|Kansas City Athletics / Oakland Athletics]] (1963-1974)
*[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] (1962)
|nickname = Burlington Bees (1993-present)
|pastnames = Burlington Astros (1991-1992)
*Burlington Braves (1988-1990)
*Burlington Expos (1986-1987)
*Burlington Rangers (1982-1985)
*Burlington Bees (1954-1981)
*Burlington Flints (1952-1953)
*Burlington Indians (1947-1949)
|ballpark = [[Community Field]] (1947-present)
|pastparks =
|leaguechamps = 1949, 1965, 1977, 1999, 2008, 2009
|divisionchamps =
|misc6 =
|owner = [[Burlington, Iowa|City of Burlington, Iowa]]
|manager = Aaron Nieckula
|gm = Chuck Brockett
}}
}}
| nickname = Burlington Bees (1924–1932, 1954–1981, 1993–present)
| former_names = {{plainlist|
* Burlington Astros (1991–1992)
* Burlington Braves (1988–1990)
* Burlington Expos (1986–1987)
* Burlington Rangers (1982–1985)
* Burlington Flints (1952–1953)
* Burlington Indians (1947–1949)
* Burlington Pathfinders (1906–1916)
* Burlington Flint Hills (1905)
* Burlington River Rats (1904)
* Burlington Hawkeyes (1890, 1898)
* Burlington Colts (1895–1897)
* Burlington Babies (1889)
}}
| affiliations = {{plainlist|
* Independent (2021–present)
* Los Angeles Angels (2013–2020)
* Oakland Athletics (2011–2012)
* Kansas City Royals (2001–2010)
* Chicago White Sox (1999–2000)
* Cincinnati Reds (1997–1998)
* San Francisco Giants (1995–1996)
* Montreal Expos (1993–1994)
* Houston Astros (1991–1992)
* Atlanta Braves (1988–1990)
* Montreal Expos (1986–1987)
* Texas Rangers (1982–1985)
* Milwaukee Brewers (1975–1981)
* Kansas City/Oakland A's (1963–1974)
* Pittsburgh Pirates (1962)
}}
| ballpark = [[Community Field]] (1947–present)
| former_ballparks = Summer Street Park
| mascot = Buzz
| league_champs = 5 (1949, 1965, 1977, 1999, 2008)
| division_champs= 5 (1977, 1978, 1999, 2008, 2009)
| owner = [[Burlington, Iowa|City of Burlington, Iowa]]
| manager = Owen Oreskovich
| general_manager = Tad Lowary
}}
[[File:Burlington community field1.JPG|thumb|right|Burlington Community Field]]
The '''Burlington Bees''' are a [[collegiate summer baseball]] team of the [[Prospect League]]. They are located in [[Burlington, Iowa]], and have played their home games at [[Community Field]] since 1947. Founded in 1889, the Bees played in [[Minor League Baseball]]'s [[Midwest League]] from 1962 to 2020. With [[Major League Baseball]]'s reorganization of the minor leagues after the 2020 season, Burlington was not selected to continue in affiliated baseball.


The team was first known as the "Bees" from 1924 to 1932 and again from 1954 to 1981.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=Burlington, Iowa Encyclopedia|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> The Bees nickname was revived for the 1993 season and remains to this day.
The '''Burlington Bees''' are a Class A [[minor league baseball]] team, affiliated with the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] of whom they signed a 2 year player development contract on September 25 2012.The Bees 2012 affiliate was the Angels rival [[Oakland Athletics]].The Bees play in the [[Midwest League]]. Their home is in [[Burlington, Iowa]].


[[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Baseball Hall of Fame]] inductees [[Billy Williams (left fielder)|Billy Williams]], [[Paul Molitor]] and [[Larry Walker]] played for Burlington.
==History==
The team began playing in the Central Association of Professional Baseball as the Burlington Indians in 1947, the same year that their stadium, [[Community Field]], was opened. They won the league championship in 1949, their third and final year in the Central Association. The team joined the Three-I (Illinois, Iowa, Indiana) League in 1952 as the Burlington Flints but was renamed the Bees in 1954. In 1958, [[Billy Williams (left fielder)|Billy Williams]] played 61 games with the Bees before joining the Cubs. [[Burlington, Iowa|Burlington]] joined the Midwest League in 1962 as a farm team of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], but that affiliation lasted only one season. From 1963 through 1974 they were a farm team of the [[Oakland Athletics|Kansas City (later Oakland) A's]]; subsequent affiliations included the [[Milwaukee Brewers|Brewers]] (1975–81), the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Rangers]] (1982–85), the [[Montreal Expos|Expos]] (1986–87 and 1993–94), the [[Atlanta Braves|Braves]] (1988–90), the [[Houston Astros|Astros]] (1991–92), the [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]] (1995–96), the [[Cincinnati Reds|Reds]] (1997–98), and the [[Chicago White Sox|White Sox]] (1999–2000). The Bees won the [[Midwest League]] championship in 1965, 1977, 1999, 2008, and 2009.


The Bees play in the Prospect League's Western Conference – Northwest Division along with the [[Clinton LumberKings]], [[Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp]], and [[Springfield Lucky Horseshoes]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prospectleague.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/season-standings|title=2024 Prospect League Standings – Prospect League Baseball|website=www.prospectleague.com|access-date=2023-11-16}}</ref>
[[Image:Burlington community field1.JPG|thumb|left|The Burlington Bees play the [[Quad Cities River Bandits|Swing of the Quad Cities]] in this July 2004 game at Burlington Community Field.]]


== History ==
The team was known as the Bees from 1962–81, but starting with the 1982 season they used the nickname of their major league parent club. The Bees nickname was revived for the 1993 season.
The team began playing in Burlington in 1889 as the Burlington Babies. Teams with various nicknames played until the Burlington Pathfinders were named in 1906, keeping the nickname until 1916 and playing in the [[Central Association]]. After a hiatus, the Burlington Bees played in the [[Mississippi Valley League]] from 1924 to 1932. The franchise then returned as the Burlington Indians in 1947, the same year that their current stadium, [[Community Field]], opened.<ref name="auto"/> They won the league championship in 1949, their third and final year in the [[Central Association]]. The team joined the Three-I (Illinois, Iowa, Indiana) League in 1952 as the Burlington Flints but was renamed the Bees in 1954. In 1958, Billy Williams played 61 games with the Bees before joining the Cubs. Burlington joined the Midwest League in 1962 as a farm team of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. From 1963 through 1974 they were a farm team of the [[Oakland Athletics|Kansas City (later Oakland) A's]]; subsequent affiliations included the [[Milwaukee Brewers|Brewers]] (1975–81), [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Rangers]] (1982–85), [[Montreal Expos|Expos]] (1986–87 and 1993–94), [[Atlanta Braves|Braves]] (1988–90), [[Houston Astros|Astros]] (1991–92), [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]] (1995–96), [[Cincinnati Reds|Reds]] (1997–98), and [[Chicago White Sox|White Sox]] (1999–2000).


The Bees have won the [[List of Midwest League champions|Midwest League Championship]] four times, in four different decades: 1965 (won both halves), 1977 (defeated [[Waterloo Indians]]), 1999 (defeated [[Wisconsin Timber Rattlers]]) and 2008 (defeated [[South Bend Silver Hawks]]).
<!--[[Image:BurlingtonBees.png|150px|thumb|right|Bees logo, 1993-2006]] commenting out image with no source/bad FairUse claim-->
In addition to Billy Williams, the first Bee inducted into the Hall of Fame, former players who have enjoyed major league success include [[Sal Bando]], [[Vida Blue]] (who struck out a team-record 231 batters in 1968), [[Catfish Hunter|Jim "Catfish" Hunter]] [[George Hendrick]], [[Phil Garner]], [[Chet Lemon]], [[Claudell Washington]], Hall of Famer [[Paul Molitor]], [[Randy Ready]], [[Larry Walker]], [[Rubén Sierra]], [[Kenny Rogers (baseball player)|Kenny Rogers]], [[José Vidro]], [[Ugueth Urbina]], [[Javy López]], [[Mark Buehrle]], [[Mike Mordecai]], [[Shawn Estes]], [[Ruben Gotay]] and [[Gus Zernial]]. In total 159 former Bees have played in the majors, including 35 on active rosters in 2004.


Catcher Herbert Whitney of the Burlington Pathfinders was killed by a pitched ball in 1906. On June 26 in Waterloo, Iowa, Whitney was beaned by a pitch from Fred Evans of the Waterloo Microbes. He suffered a skull fracture and died that day as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deathattheballpark.com/overview.html |title=Death at the Ballpark |access-date=February 10, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216194616/http://deathattheballpark.com/overview.html |archive-date=February 16, 2016 }}</ref>
Their home park is [[Community Field]], built in 1947 and rebuilt after a 1971 fire. The franchise attendance record of 83,927 was set in 1994. The stadium was upgraded for the 2004 season, including a revamped concessions area, a partial covering of the grandstand, an improvement in the sound system, and a new scoreboard. In 2007, the Bees changed their logo and uniforms. Since 2007 the Bees have had 3 affiliates, the [[Kansas City Royals]](2001 - 2010), the [[Oakland Athletics]] 2011 - 2012), and the current affiliate [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] (2013 - Present). The Bees have also released their 2013 Season Schedule in which they play [[Opening Day]] against the [[Clinton Lumberkings]] on April 4, 2013.


The team was first known as the Bees from 1924 to 1932 and again from 1954 to 1981. Starting in 1982, they used the nickname of their major league parent club, before the current Bees nickname was revived for the 1993 season.
==Current roster==
{{Burlington Bees roster}}


In addition to Baseball Hall of Famers [[Billy Williams (left fielder)|Billy Williams]], [[Paul Molitor]] and [[Larry Walker]], many former Burlington players have enjoyed major league success including: [[Sal Bando]], [[Vida Blue]] (who struck out a team-record 231 batters in 1968), [[George Hendrick]], [[Phil Garner]], [[Chet Lemon]], [[Claudell Washington]], [[Rubén Sierra]], [[Kenny Rogers (baseball player)|Kenny Rogers]], [[José Vidro]], [[Ugueth Urbina]], [[Javy López]], [[Mark Buehrle]], [[Mike Moustakas]], and [[Salvador Pérez]]. Over 100 former Bees have played in the majors.
==Former players==
*[[:Category:Burlington Bees players|Burlington Bees (1993&mdash;)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Astros players|Burlington Astros (1992-1992)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Braves players|Burlington Braves (1988-1990)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Expos players|Burlington Expos (1986-1987)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Rangers players|Burlington Rangers (1982-1985)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Bees players|Burlington Bees (1954-1981)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Flints players|Burlington Flints (1952-1953)]]
*[[:Category:Burlington Indians players|Burlington Indians (1947-1949)]]


In 2007, the Bees changed their logo and uniforms. Since 2000, the Bees have had three affiliates: the [[Kansas City Royals]] (2001–10), [[Oakland Athletics]] (2011–12), and the [[Los Angeles Angels]] (2013–2020).
==Source==
* Dinda, J. (2003), "Burlington, Iowa, in the Midwest League," http://www.mwlguide.com/cities/burlington/index.html


Following the 2020 season, the Bees were cut from the Midwest League and affiliated baseball as part of [[Major League Baseball]]'s reorganization of the minor leagues.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Levins|first=Matt|title=Minor League Baseball: Bees lose Minor League Baseball affiliation, but baseball will be back in Burlington|url=https://www.thehawkeye.com/story/sports/2020/12/09/bees-lose-milb-affiliation-but-baseball-back-burlington/3863094001/|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=The Hawk Eye|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210043952/https://www.thehawkeye.com/story/sports/2020/12/09/bees-lose-milb-affiliation-but-baseball-back-burlington/3863094001/|url-status=dead}}</ref> They later joined the [[Prospect League]], a [[collegiate summer baseball]] league, for 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Levins|first=Matt|title=Baseball: Burlington Bees join the Prospect League|url=https://www.thehawkeye.com/story/sports/2021/01/13/baseball-burlington-bees-join-prospect-league/4154812001/|date=January 13, 2021|access-date=January 14, 2021|website=The Hawk Eye|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116104646/https://www.thehawkeye.com/story/sports/2021/01/13/baseball-burlington-bees-join-prospect-league/4154812001/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==External links==
* [http://www.gobees.com Official Burlington Bees website]


==Ballpark==
{{Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim}}
The Bees have called historic [[Community Field]], nicknamed "the hive", their home since 1947. The original grandstand portion of the stadium was destroyed in a 1971 fire and rebuilt. The stadium was upgraded again prior to the 2004 season, including a revamped concessions area, partial covering of the grandstand, improved sound system, and a new scoreboard. Named the 2013 "Field of the Year" in the state of Iowa by the Iowa Sports Turf Management Association, capital improvements are supported by The Friends of Community Field, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20081015&content_id=41255838&sid=t420&vkey=team2 |title=Friends of Community Field |website=[[MILB]]}}</ref>
{{MLB Team Los Angeles Angels}}

{{Midwest League}}
==No-hitters==
Several Burlington pitchers have thrown no-hitters:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mwlguide.com/reference/nohitters.html|title=Midwest League No Hitters |website=mwlguide.com}}</ref>

* 6-4-1962 Pedro Tio, Quad Cities 13–0 7 innings
* 8-14-1962 Charles Ling, Keokuk 6–0
* 5-6-1965 Don Pierce, Fox Cities 4–0
* 6-29-1965 George Bosworth, Cedar Rapids 3–0
* 6-19-1968 '''[[Vida Blue]]''', Appleton 4–0 7 Innings
* '''7-20-1975 Abelino Pena, Cedar Rapids 2–0 7 Innings (Perfect Game)'''
* 8-5-1996 Jason Grote Clinton 8–0
* 5-6-1998 Lance Davis/Dan Timm Quad City 5–0
* 8-5-2003 Jonah Bayliss Peoria 1–0
* 4-12-2004 Dusty Hughes/Jake Mullis Wisconsin 3–0
* '''6-30-2004 Chris Coughlin Beloit 3–0 Perfect game'''
* 8-7-2008 '''[[Danny Duffy]]'''/Juan Abreu Peoria 10–0

== Roster ==
{{IndyLB roster
| TeamName = Burlington Bees
| BC1 = #FFBF00
| FC1 = white
| BC2 = #2E2D88
| FC2 = white
| Date = May 16, 2024

| Pitchers =
{{MLBplayer|--|Shea Blanchard}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Nathan Chapman}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jack Duncan}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Joe Evans}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Chase Golden}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Noah Harbin}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Erik Kiewiet}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Preston Kaufman}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Zach Leuschen}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Vinny Maurio}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Michael Schaul}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jackson Wohlers}}

| Catchers =
{{MLBplayer|--|Michael Carrano Jr.}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jacob Schindler}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Nick Meyer}}

| Infielders =
{{MLBplayer|--|Skyler Agnew}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Landon Akers}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Carson Bittner}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jackson Lindquist}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Merrick Matthews}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Ty Plummer}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Kinnick Pusteoska}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jackson Rooker}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Ryan Skwarek}}

| Outfielders =
{{MLBplayer|--|Luke Bragga}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Cooper Donlin}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Cedric Dunnwald}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Jackson Reid}}
{{MLBplayer|--|Scotty Savage}}

| manager =
{{MLBplayer|--|Owen Oreskovich}}

| Coaches=
*TBD

}}

==Notable alumni==
===Baseball Hall of Fame alumni===
* [[Larry Walker]] (1986) Inducted, 2020
* [[Paul Molitor]] (1977) Inducted, 2004
* [[Billy Williams (left fielder)|Billy Williams]] (1958) Inducted, 1987

===Notable alumni===
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Jared Walsh]] (2016) MLB All-Star
* [[Max Muncy]] (2012) MLB All-Star
* [[Addison Russell]] (2012) MLB All-Star
* [[Zack Thornton]] (2011)
* [[Salvador Pérez]] (2009) 3 x GG; 3 X MLB All-Star
* [[Eric Hosmer]] (2009)
* [[Mike Moustakas]] (2008) MLB All-Star
* [[Mark Buehrle]] (1999) 4 x GG; 5 x MLB All-Star
* [[Shawn Estes]] (1995) MLB All-Star
* [[Jose Vidro]] (1993) 3 x MLB All-Star
* [[Ugueth Urbina]] (1993) 2 x MLB All-Star: 1999 NL Saves Leader
* [[Carlos Pérez (pitcher)|Carlos Perez]] (1993) MLB All-Star
* [[Javy López]] (1990) 3 x MLB All-Star
* [[Mike Mordecai]] (1989)
* [[Mike Stanton (left-handed pitcher)|Mike Stanton]] (1988) MLB All-Star
* [[Kent Bottenfield]] (1987) MLB All-Star
* [[Mel Rojas]] (1987) MLB All-Star
* [[Chad Kreuter]] (1985)
* [[Mike Stanley]] (1985) MLB All-Star
* [[Kenny Rogers (baseball player)|Kenny Rogers]] (1984) 5 x GG; 4 x MLB All-Star
* [[Rubén Sierra]] (1984) 4 x MLB All-Star; 1989 AL RBI Leader
* [[Randy Ready]] (1981)
* [[Bob McClure]] (1981)
* [[Doug Jones (baseball)|Doug Jones]] (1979) 5 x MLB All-Star
* [[Moose Haas]] (1975)
* [[Dwayne Murphy]] (1974)
* [[Matt Keough]] (1974) MLB All-Star
* [[Wayne Gross]] (1973–74) MLB All-Star
* [[Chet Lemon]] (1973–74) 3 x MLB All-Star
* [[Mike Norris (baseball)|Mike Norris]] (1973) 2 x GG; MLB All-Star
* [[Claudell Washington]] (1973) 3 x MLB All-Star
* [[Dan Ford]] (1971–72)
* [[Phil Garner]] (1971) 3 x MLB All-Star
* [[Glenn Abbott]] (1971)
* [[George Hendrick]] (1968, 1970) 4 x MLB All-Star
* [[Vida Blue]] (1968) 6 x MLB All-Star; 1971 AL Cy Young Award; 1971 AL Most Valuable Player
* [[Sal Bando]] (1965) 4 x MLB All-Star
* [[Gene Alley]] (1960) 2 x GG; 2 x MLB All-Star
* [[Jim Brewer (baseball)|Jim Brewer]] (1958) MLB All-Star
* [[George Altman]] (1957)
* [[Dave Stenhouse]] (1956) MLB All-Star
* [[Johnny Vander Meer]] (1953 Player/MGR)
* [[Lloyd Brown (baseball)|Lloyd Brown]] (1949)
* [[Hal Trosky]] (1932) 1936 AL RBI Leader (162)
{{Div col end}}

==Players (1947–present)==
* [[:Category:Burlington Indians players (1947–1949)|Burlington Indians (1947–49)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Flints players|Burlington Flints (1952–53)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Bees players|Burlington Bees (1954–81)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Rangers players|Burlington Rangers (1982–85)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Expos players|Burlington Expos (1986–87)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Braves players|Burlington Braves (1988–90)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Astros players|Burlington Astros (1991–92)]]
* [[:Category:Burlington Bees players|Burlington Bees (1993–present)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
* Dinda, J. (2003), "Burlington, Iowa, in the Midwest League," [http://www.mwlguide.com/cities/burlington/index.html Burlington, Iowa in the Midwest League | MWLguide.com]

== External links ==
* {{official website|http://www.gobees.com/}}

{{Prospect League}}
{{Iowa Sports}}
{{Iowa Sports}}
{{Midwest League}}


[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1947]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1924]]
[[Category:Midwest League teams]]
[[Category:Prospect League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Midwest League teams]]
[[Category:Burlington, Iowa]]
[[Category:Burlington, Iowa]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Iowa]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Iowa]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Baseball teams in Iowa]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Kansas City Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:San Francisco Giants minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Montreal Expos minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Houston Astros minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Chicago Cubs minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cleveland Guardians minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Central Association]]
[[Category:Fan-owned baseball teams]]
[[Category:Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League teams]]
[[Category:1924 establishments in Iowa]]
[[Category:Central Association teams]]
[[Category:Amateur baseball teams in Iowa]]
[[Category:Mississippi Valley League teams]]

Latest revision as of 01:29, 13 December 2024

Burlington Bees
Team logo Cap insignia
Information
Affiliations
  • Independent (2021–present)
  • Los Angeles Angels (2013–2020)
  • Oakland Athletics (2011–2012)
  • Kansas City Royals (2001–2010)
  • Chicago White Sox (1999–2000)
  • Cincinnati Reds (1997–1998)
  • San Francisco Giants (1995–1996)
  • Montreal Expos (1993–1994)
  • Houston Astros (1991–1992)
  • Atlanta Braves (1988–1990)
  • Montreal Expos (1986–1987)
  • Texas Rangers (1982–1985)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (1975–1981)
  • Kansas City/Oakland A's (1963–1974)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (1962)
LeagueProspect League (2021–present) (Western Conference – Northwest Division)
LocationBurlington, Iowa
BallparkCommunity Field (1947–present)
Founded1924; 101 years ago (1924)
Nickname(s)Burlington Bees (1924–1932, 1954–1981, 1993–present)
League championships5 (1949, 1965, 1977, 1999, 2008)
Division championships5 (1977, 1978, 1999, 2008, 2009)
Former name(s)
  • Burlington Astros (1991–1992)
  • Burlington Braves (1988–1990)
  • Burlington Expos (1986–1987)
  • Burlington Rangers (1982–1985)
  • Burlington Flints (1952–1953)
  • Burlington Indians (1947–1949)
  • Burlington Pathfinders (1906–1916)
  • Burlington Flint Hills (1905)
  • Burlington River Rats (1904)
  • Burlington Hawkeyes (1890, 1898)
  • Burlington Colts (1895–1897)
  • Burlington Babies (1889)
Former league(s)
Former ballparksSummer Street Park
MascotBuzz
OwnershipCity of Burlington, Iowa
General ManagerTad Lowary
ManagerOwen Oreskovich
Burlington Community Field

The Burlington Bees are a collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League. They are located in Burlington, Iowa, and have played their home games at Community Field since 1947. Founded in 1889, the Bees played in Minor League Baseball's Midwest League from 1962 to 2020. With Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minor leagues after the 2020 season, Burlington was not selected to continue in affiliated baseball.

The team was first known as the "Bees" from 1924 to 1932 and again from 1954 to 1981.[1] The Bees nickname was revived for the 1993 season and remains to this day.

Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Billy Williams, Paul Molitor and Larry Walker played for Burlington.

The Bees play in the Prospect League's Western Conference – Northwest Division along with the Clinton LumberKings, Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, and Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.[2]

History

[edit]

The team began playing in Burlington in 1889 as the Burlington Babies. Teams with various nicknames played until the Burlington Pathfinders were named in 1906, keeping the nickname until 1916 and playing in the Central Association. After a hiatus, the Burlington Bees played in the Mississippi Valley League from 1924 to 1932. The franchise then returned as the Burlington Indians in 1947, the same year that their current stadium, Community Field, opened.[1] They won the league championship in 1949, their third and final year in the Central Association. The team joined the Three-I (Illinois, Iowa, Indiana) League in 1952 as the Burlington Flints but was renamed the Bees in 1954. In 1958, Billy Williams played 61 games with the Bees before joining the Cubs. Burlington joined the Midwest League in 1962 as a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 1963 through 1974 they were a farm team of the Kansas City (later Oakland) A's; subsequent affiliations included the Brewers (1975–81), Rangers (1982–85), Expos (1986–87 and 1993–94), Braves (1988–90), Astros (1991–92), Giants (1995–96), Reds (1997–98), and White Sox (1999–2000).

The Bees have won the Midwest League Championship four times, in four different decades: 1965 (won both halves), 1977 (defeated Waterloo Indians), 1999 (defeated Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) and 2008 (defeated South Bend Silver Hawks).

Catcher Herbert Whitney of the Burlington Pathfinders was killed by a pitched ball in 1906. On June 26 in Waterloo, Iowa, Whitney was beaned by a pitch from Fred Evans of the Waterloo Microbes. He suffered a skull fracture and died that day as a result.[3]

The team was first known as the Bees from 1924 to 1932 and again from 1954 to 1981. Starting in 1982, they used the nickname of their major league parent club, before the current Bees nickname was revived for the 1993 season.

In addition to Baseball Hall of Famers Billy Williams, Paul Molitor and Larry Walker, many former Burlington players have enjoyed major league success including: Sal Bando, Vida Blue (who struck out a team-record 231 batters in 1968), George Hendrick, Phil Garner, Chet Lemon, Claudell Washington, Rubén Sierra, Kenny Rogers, José Vidro, Ugueth Urbina, Javy López, Mark Buehrle, Mike Moustakas, and Salvador Pérez. Over 100 former Bees have played in the majors.

In 2007, the Bees changed their logo and uniforms. Since 2000, the Bees have had three affiliates: the Kansas City Royals (2001–10), Oakland Athletics (2011–12), and the Los Angeles Angels (2013–2020).

Following the 2020 season, the Bees were cut from the Midwest League and affiliated baseball as part of Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minor leagues.[4] They later joined the Prospect League, a collegiate summer baseball league, for 2021.[5]

Ballpark

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The Bees have called historic Community Field, nicknamed "the hive", their home since 1947. The original grandstand portion of the stadium was destroyed in a 1971 fire and rebuilt. The stadium was upgraded again prior to the 2004 season, including a revamped concessions area, partial covering of the grandstand, improved sound system, and a new scoreboard. Named the 2013 "Field of the Year" in the state of Iowa by the Iowa Sports Turf Management Association, capital improvements are supported by The Friends of Community Field, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.[6]

No-hitters

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Several Burlington pitchers have thrown no-hitters:[7]

  • 6-4-1962 Pedro Tio, Quad Cities 13–0 7 innings
  • 8-14-1962 Charles Ling, Keokuk 6–0
  • 5-6-1965 Don Pierce, Fox Cities 4–0
  • 6-29-1965 George Bosworth, Cedar Rapids 3–0
  • 6-19-1968 Vida Blue, Appleton 4–0 7 Innings
  • 7-20-1975 Abelino Pena, Cedar Rapids 2–0 7 Innings (Perfect Game)
  • 8-5-1996 Jason Grote Clinton 8–0
  • 5-6-1998 Lance Davis/Dan Timm Quad City 5–0
  • 8-5-2003 Jonah Bayliss Peoria 1–0
  • 4-12-2004 Dusty Hughes/Jake Mullis Wisconsin 3–0
  • 6-30-2004 Chris Coughlin Beloit 3–0 Perfect game
  • 8-7-2008 Danny Duffy/Juan Abreu Peoria 10–0

Roster

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Burlington Bees roster
Active roster Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • -- Shea Blanchard
  • -- Nathan Chapman
  • -- Jack Duncan
  • -- Joe Evans
  • -- Chase Golden
  • -- Noah Harbin
  • -- Erik Kiewiet
  • -- Preston Kaufman
  • -- Zach Leuschen
  • -- Vinny Maurio
  • -- Michael Schaul
  • -- Jackson Wohlers



  

Catchers

  • -- Michael Carrano Jr.
  • -- Jacob Schindler
  • -- Nick Meyer

Infielders

  • -- Skyler Agnew
  • -- Landon Akers
  • -- Carson Bittner
  • -- Jackson Lindquist
  • -- Merrick Matthews
  • -- Ty Plummer
  • -- Kinnick Pusteoska
  • -- Jackson Rooker
  • -- Ryan Skwarek

Outfielders

  • -- Luke Bragga
  • -- Cooper Donlin
  • -- Cedric Dunnwald
  • -- Jackson Reid
  • -- Scotty Savage
  

Manager

  • -- Owen Oreskovich

Coaches

  • TBD

Disabled list
‡ Inactive list
§ Suspended list

 updated May 16, 2024

Notable alumni

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Baseball Hall of Fame alumni

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Notable alumni

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Players (1947–present)

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Burlington, Iowa Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "2024 Prospect League Standings – Prospect League Baseball". www.prospectleague.com. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  3. ^ "Death at the Ballpark". Archived from the original on February 16, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  4. ^ Levins, Matt (December 9, 2020). "Minor League Baseball: Bees lose Minor League Baseball affiliation, but baseball will be back in Burlington". The Hawk Eye. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  5. ^ Levins, Matt (January 13, 2021). "Baseball: Burlington Bees join the Prospect League". The Hawk Eye. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "Friends of Community Field". MILB.
  7. ^ "Midwest League No Hitters". mwlguide.com.

Sources

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