Bees Already Looking Forward to 2009!

Just less than two weeks ago, we were enjoying the Bees first Midwest League Championship since 1999. Although we are still enjoying the championship, we also have to look towards the 2009 season. Today, we announced the 2009 schedule. It can be found at http://www.gobees.com.

Three things really stand out to me when looking at the schedule. Number one, the season starts nearly a week later than last year. Opening Day will be April 9th compared to April 3rd. Secondly, the Bees will have only nine home games in the month of April. We had 16 home games in April this past season. Hopefully for you fans, this means less 40 degree games. The third thing I noticed is the balance in weekend games. In 2008, we went through a five-week stretch without any Friday or Saturday home games. With the new schedule, we will be able to spread out the different promotional nights like Jimmy Buffett Night and Cubs-Cards Night.

While you’re on the Bees’ website, make sure to vote for what game time you like the best (located at the bottom right of homepage). If you remember, during the first half of the season, games were set at 6:30, then changed to 7:00 in the 2nd half. The reason for moving it up to 6:30 was because of the cold weather earlier in the season. The more we can play while the sun is up, the better. Also, kids were still in school during most of the 1st half. We’ll announce game times and promotional nights very soon.

Bees Win Midwest League Championship!

The Burlington Bees have won their first Midwest League Championship since 1999! The Bees were declared champions on Saturday because of the continuous rains that were falling throughout most of the country.

Thanks Bees’ fans for a fantastic season! Your support was awesome, especially throughout the playoffs. I know the players and coaches really appreciated it.

Here are some shots from the celebration:

The team with the trophy!

The guys had a lot of fun playing in the water.

Just like kids again.

Lots of fans greeted the team when they arrived back in Burlington.

Bees Advance to Midwest League Championship!

The Bees completed the sweep of Cedar Rapids Sunday afternoon in front of an enthusiastic Bees’ crowd, winning a close one 2-1. Great pitching, good defense, and timely hitting led to the win.

The schedule for the Midwest League Championship is set. The South Bend Silver Hawks defeated Dayton Tuesday night to win the Eastern Division. Games 1 and 2 will be at Community Field while Games 3-5 will be at South Bend.

Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 at The Hive and Game 2 will be on Thursday at 6:30 at Community Field. For a complete schedule, log onto http://www.gobees.com.

Here are a few shots from Sunday’s game:

Bees Sweep Kane County Cougars!

Your Burlington Bees finished the sweep of Kane County Friday night to advance to the Western Division Championship Series. They will face the Cedar Rapids Kernels

Game 1 will take place Saturday night in Cedar Rapids at 6:30. The game can be heard on 1490 KBUR.

Game 2 will be on Sunday at Community Field at 2:00. Tickets are on sale right now at Community Field. If necessary, Game 3 will be at Community Field as well Monday night at 6:30.

Game 1 Goes to the Bees!

Your Bees won Game 1 of the quarterfinals in the Midwest League Playoffs Wednesday night at Community Field. The Bees overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Kane County Cougars 5-3. The best-of-3 series now heads Kane County Thursday and, if necessary, Friday. (EDIT: Tonight’s game has been postponed and the schedule has now been pushed back a day. Game 2 will take place Friday and Game 3 will be Saturday if necessary. Both games will start at 6:30)

Friday’s game starts at 6:30 and can be heard on KQ92 (92.1). Make sure to continue to log onto http://www.gobees.com for updates on the schedule.

Fans enjoyed a big comeback by the Bees and a huge fireworks show after the game Wednesday night.

Get Your Playoff Tickets!

Your Bees will host Game 1 of the first round playoffs at Community Field next Wednesday, September 3rd, at 6:30pm. The opponent will be either Kane County or Clinton. Make sure to come out and “pack the park.” They will need your support throughout the playoffs.

A HUGE Fireworks Extravaganza will now follow the game thanks to J&M Displays. It is promised to be the biggest show of the season.

What a combination: Bees Playoff Baseball and a big Fireworks show. Get your tickets now as they are going fast!

Final Home Stand of the Season

Tonight’s game vs. Beloit will start an 8-game home stand at Community Field, the final one of the season. The Bees hold a 4 1/2 game lead on Cedar Rapids and are making the final push for the playoffs!

Here is the rundown of the next 8 games.

Thursday, Aug. 21 vs. Beloit @ 7:00: Thirsty Thursday – Pepsi products are 2 for $3 and beer is 2 for $4

Friday, Aug. 22 vs. Beloit @ 7:00: Big Fun Friday – Come out early starting at 4:00 for Happy Hour

Saturday, Aug. 23 vs. Beloit @ 6:30: Fireworks! – Enjoy the last fireworks show of the season

Sunday, Aug. 24 vs. Beloit @ 2:00: Louisa Communications Kids Day – All kids 12 and under get in free

Monday, Aug. 25 vs. Quad Cities @ 7:00: Dollar Monday – $2 adult and $1 kids tickets, $1 hot dogs, popcorn, pizza, and pop

Tuesday, Aug. 26 vs. Quad Cities @ 7:00: 2-for-Tuesday – Look for a 2-for-1 coupon in Tuesday’s edition of The Hawk Eye

Wednesday, Aug. 27 vs. Quad Cities @ 7:00: Kids Eat Free Wednesday – Kids get a free hot dog and pop at concession stand

Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Quad Cities @ 7:00: Fan Appreciation Night! – Last home game of the regular season!

Bees Hanging on to First Place

After a few losses, the Bees responded with a big win at Clinton last night to extend the lead in the Western Division to 2.5 games. The finale with the LumberKings is tonight and then the Bees head to Quad Cities for four games. The Bees are back at The Hive starting next Thursday, August 21st for eight games. The home stand will be the last of the season so make sure to get out to Community Field. August 23rd will be the final fireworks show of the season.

Here are some shots from this past 4-game series with Cedar Rapids:

Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner presented a check to the City of Burlington for $25,000 before Saturday’s game. The money is to help the flood victims in the area.

The Autotrader.com gorilla greated fans to the game on Saturday.

Fans packed the park Monday. The beautiful weather made it a great night to watch a Bees game!

Bees to Face Major Leaguer Jon Lieber

Cubs pitcher Jon Lieber will make a rehab start for the Peoria Chiefs tonight against the Bees. Lieber, who signed with the Cubs as a free agent on January 16, is 2-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 25 games this season. In 44 2/3 innings this season, he has 26 strikeouts and just five walks issued. Lieber made his lone start this season on May 7 at Cincinnati and took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits in just two innings. The 38-year-old Council Bluffs, Iowa native has a career mark of 131-124 in exactly 400 appearances.

After the four games in Peoria, your 1st place Bees return to Community Field this Saturday at 6:30 to start a 4-game series with the Cedar Rapids Kernals. The night will feature Iowa – Iowa St. Rivalry Night. Come out supporting your favorite school. Also on that night, will be the Pot O’ Blue and Gold raffle drawing. For more information, log onto http://www.gobees.com.

There are only 12 home games left, so make sure to get out to Community Field!

Bees are on a Roll

In case you haven’t noticed, your Bees are in second place right now and only 1 1/2 games out of first. Make sure to come out and cheer them on as they make their push towards the playoffs.

The Bees start a 3-game series at South Bend today and will return home Tuesday to take on the Dayton Dragons. Tuesday and Wednesday will be our Flood Relief Nights at The Hive. All general admission seating for both nights is absolutely FREE! You can’t beat that. If you’re one of the many affected by the floods (or if you know of anyone) we hope you can come out and enjoy these two nights with us.

We’ll also be having silent auctions on Tuesday and Wednesday to help raise money for the flood victims in the area. Some of the autographed items to be auctioned off are: Ryne Sandberg jersey and bat, George Brett ball, David DeJesus bat, and Bees team bats and balls. Also, Bees’ players and coaches will be sporting special jerseys those nights and, you the fans, can own one of these jerseys. We’ll be auctioning off all jerseys worn those two nights.

Please help us spread the word about these two nights. We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Flood Relief Nights, go to our website.