While the parent team (the KC Royals) struggled, many of the minor league affiliates flourished last year. Five teams advanced to their league championship series’ and four of them brought home the trophy.
The Burlington Royals (Rookie) fell just short in clinching their league’s top prize but the Dominican Royals1 were able to claim the first title of the year. Then, within a three-day span, the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Adv-A), Lexington Legends (Low-A) and Idaho Falls Chukars (Rookie) were able to mob the field in celebration.
Of course, the driving force behind these titles was young players hungry to climb the ladder to the majors.