Championship rings were presented this morning to the 2008 Midwest League champion Burlington Bees. After a 30-39 start to the season, the Bees made a second half surge, going 43-26. Burlington went a perfect 6-0 in the playoffs to earn the league championship.

The 2008 Bees were managed by Brian Rupp, the 2008 Dick Howser Award winner. Rupp (right with Dayton Moore) is now the manager at Class A-Advanced Wilmington.

Burlington General Manager Chuck Brockett displays a championship ring while pausing for a picture with Dayton Moore.

Here’s Royals Hall of Famers John Mayberry, Dennis Leonard, and Willie Wilson. They’ve been at camp this week working with the minor league squads. Special thanks go to Mayberry, Leonard, and Wilson for passing their knowledge on to the next generation of Royals!