The Burlington Bees: A Baseball Tradition
Contents
- The history of the Burlington Bees
- The Bees today: baseball and beyond
- The future of the Bees
- The fans of the Burlington Bees
- The ballparks of the Burlington Bees
- The rivalries of the Burlington Bees
- The players of the Burlington Bees
- The coaches of the Burlington Bees
- The broadcasters of the Burlington Bees
- The community of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees have been a Single-A minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels since 1992. They play their home games at Community Field in Burlington, Iowa.
The history of the Burlington Bees
While professional baseball has been played in Burlington, Iowa since 1889, the Bees began their existence as a minor league team in 1947. The team has been affiliated with several Major League clubs over the years, including the Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Cardinals and most recently, the Los Angeles Angels The Bees have called Community Field their home since 1947, and continue to provide affordable family entertainment to the residents of Burlington and the surrounding communities.
The Bees are proud to be a part of the history of baseball in Iowa, and look forward to continued success in the years to come.
The Bees today: baseball and beyond
For more than a century, the Burlington Bees have been a backbone of the city’s minor League Baseball tradition. The team has seen its share of ups and downs, but it remains an important part of the community today.
The Bees were first established in 1901, and they played their first game against the Davenport Demons on May 7th of that year. The team was a charter member of the Central Association, one of the first minor leagues in baseball. The league lasted for just two seasons, but the Bees returned to play in 1903 as part of the Illinois-Iowa Interstate League. They would play in that league off-and-on until 1912.
In 1913, the team was renamed the Burlington Pathiders, but they reverted back to the Bees name four years later. That would be the start of a long period of stability for the franchise. From 1917 until 1970, the team would be known as the Burlington Bees and play their home games at Community Field.
During those years, the Bees saw some of their best success on the field. In 1942, they won their first and only championship as members of the Three-I League. They made it back to the playoffs several times during their time in that league but never won another title. In 1962, legendary outfielder Willie Mays played for Burlington for a short time before he was called up to Major League Baseball
The 1970s brought big changes to both Community Field and to minor league baseball in general. In 1971, Community Field was renamed Memorial Stadium in honor of local servicemen who had died in wars overseas. That same year, Burlington became part of a new minor league–the Midwest League–as part of a sweeping reorganization of Minor League Baseball across America
The future of the Bees
Fans of the Burlington Bees Minor League baseball team are concerned about the future of the team. The team has been a part of the community for over 100 years, and with the COVID-19 pandemic causing financial instability for minor league teams across the country, there is worry that the Bees may not be able to continue their historic tradition.
The bees have been a farm team for several Major League organizations, including the Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Angels and most recently, the Oakland Athletics The team has seen many talented players come through its ranks over the years, including Hall of Famer Wade Boggs and current Oakland A’s star Matt Chapman
While the future of the team is uncertain, fans are hopeful that the Bees will continue to be a part of the Burlington community for many years to come.
The fans of the Burlington Bees
The fans of the Burlington Bees are some of the most dedicated in all of minor league baseball They pack historic Community Field every night, eager to watch the future stars of the game take the field. The Bees have been playing baseball in Burlington, Iowa since 1947, and over the years have produced many Major League greats.
The team is currently a farm team for the Los Angeles Angels and fans can watch future Angels stars hone their skills at Community Field. The bees offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at affordable prices, making it a perfect summertime destination for baseball fans of all ages.
The ballparks of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees have a long-standing tradition in baseball, dating back to the late 1800s. The team has seen action in several different ballparks over the years, each with its own unique history and personality. Here is a look at some of the most notable places the Bees have called home.
####Nusz Park
Nusz Park was the first permanent home of the Burlington Bees, and served as the team’s ballpark from 1901 until 1923. The park was located on the northeast corner of Burlington’s Hyde Park and had a capacity of around 1,500 spectators. The Bees played their first game at Nusz Park on May 18th, 1901, defeating the Ottumwa Colts by a score of 9-3.
Over the years, Nusz Park saw many changes and improvements. In 1909, a new wooden grandstand was built to replace the original bleachers. The following year, a new fence was installed around the field, and in 1912, electric lights were added so that night games could be played for the first time.
Despite these upgrades, Nusz Park was starting to show its age by the early 1920s. In 1923, the team moved to a new ballpark on Union Street (now known as South Roosevelt Avenue), where they would play for the next 50 years.
####Memorial Stadium
Burlington’s Memorial Stadium was built in 1923 to replace Nusz Park as the home of the Burlington Bees. The stadium was located on Union Street (now South Roosevelt Avenue), just south of downtown Burlington. It had a capacity of around 5,000 spectators and featured grandstands on both sides of the field.
One of Memorial Stadium’s most distinctive features was its Art Deco facade, which was added in 1937. This design element gave the stadium a unique look that set it apart from other baseball parks of its era.
In addition to serving as home to the Bees, Memorial Stadium also hosted other Minor League teams over the years, including the Waterloo Bucks (1946-1949) and Sioux City Soos (1950-1951). It also hosted college baseball games and local High School athletics competitions.
Due to declining attendance and changes in how Minor League Baseball operated in recent years Memorial Stadium fell into disrepair in the early 21st century. In 2002, it was replaced by Community Field as the home of Bee baseball.
####Community Field
Community Field is a Minor League baseball stadium located in Burlington Iowa , USA . It is home to Minor League Baseball ‘s Burlington Royals , who are affiliated with Major League Baseball ‘s Kansas City Royals . The stadium opened on June 17 th 2002 , replacing aging Memorial Stadium as home to Professional Baseball within Des Moines County . From 2006 onwards it has also hosted Iowa Hawkeyes college baseball games .
As part of an effort by Minor League Baseball ‘ s Midwest League to modernize all of its facilities , construction began on Community Field in 2001 . The $9 million project included not just building a new playing field but also constructing brand-new facilities for both players and fans . These included luxury suites , concessions stands , Kids Zone play area , an outdoor patio , party decks , and more .
Thanks in part to these added amenities , as well as its central location within Greater Des Moines , Community Field quickly became one of Midwest League ‘ s most popular stadiums . In 2009 it was named Ballpark Digest ‘ s “ Best Single A Ballpark ” out of all 160 facilities across North America at that level .
The rivalries of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Minor League Baseball Team that has been a part of the city of Burlington, Iowa for over 100 years. The Bees have a rich history full of tradition, winning, and most importantly, community. The Bees have been through many highs and lows, but one thing has remained the same: the rivalries.
The Burlington Bees have had several rivals throughout their history. Perhaps their most well-known rivalry is with the Quad Cities River Bandits. The two teams are only 90 miles apart, making them the closest geographically of any two Midwest League teams The rivalry began in the early 2000s when the River Bandits joined the Midwest League.
Since then, the two teams have played each other nearly 200 times and it is always a hotly contested game. The winner of the series gets bragging rights for the year and bragging rights are something that both fan bases take very seriously.
In recent years another team has emerged as a rival for the Burlington Bees: the Kane County Cougars. The Cougars are located just outside of Chicago and they have developed a strong following in recent years The Cougars and the Bees have played each other in some very close games in recent years and it is quickly becoming one of the best rivalries in all of Minor League Baseball
Whether it is on the field or in the stands, there is always a great atmosphere when these two teams meet up. If you ever have a chance to go to a game between the Burlington Bees and either of their rivals, you should definitely take it!
The players of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Minor League baseball team that has been a staple in the city of Burlington, Iowa for over a century. The team has seen many Great players come through its ranks, including future major league baseball stars such as Cal Ripken Jr., Manny Ramirez and Albert Pujols
The coaches of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Minor League baseball team based in Burlington, Iowa. The Bees play in the Midwest League and are affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels The team was founded in 1947, and has been affiliated with five Major League teams throughout its history. The Bees call Community Field home and the capacity of the stadium is 3,200 people.
The coaches of the Burlington Bees play an important role in the development of the team’s players. The Bees have had many great coaches over the years, including current manager Stan Cliburn.
The broadcasters of the Burlington Bees
The broadcasters of the Burlington Bees are a big part of the baseball tradition in this small town. Jeff Dotseth, who has been the voice of the Bees for eight years, and Chris Kelly, who is in his first year with the team, keep fans entertained with stories and statistics during games.
These two broadcasters have very different backgrounds. Dotseth grew up in a small town in Iowa and always loved baseball. He started out working for a minor league team in Des Moines before moving to Burlington. Kelly, on the other hand, is from Boston and didn’t start Wing Baseball until he was an adult. He got his start in broadcasting by working for a radio station in Vermont.
Both Dotseth and Kelly say they enjoy working for the Bees because of the great community atmosphere. They also enjoy being able to call games for a living. “It’s still baseball,” Kelly said. “It’s still America’s pastime.”
The community of the Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are more than just a Baseball Team they are a community. The team may come and go, but the community is here to stay.
The Bees have been a part of the community for over 100 years. They were founded in 1895 and have been playing baseball ever since. The team has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but they have always remained an important part of the community.
The Bees are more than just a Baseball team they are a way of life. For many people in the community, going to Bees games is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. It is a place where people can come together to relax and enjoy themselves.
The Burlington Bees are an important part of the fabric of this community. They are a source of pride and joy for many, and they will continue to be an important part of the community for years to come.