Royals thank Wilmington, Lexington, Idaho Falls, Burlington for their partnerships

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 9, 2020) – The Kansas City Royals would like to express their gratitude for long-time affiliates Wilmington, Lexington, Idaho Falls and Burlington. All four affiliates have been part of the Royals family for several seasons, helping develop many current and former members of the Major League squad.

“Each one of these clubs has played an integral role in the success of our franchise and for that we cannot thank them enough for how they’ve taken care of our players,” said J.J. Picollo, Royals Vice President and Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel. “Each stop along the minor league route, these clubs have literally been caretakers of our athletes while also providing the championship culture we strive for organizationally.”

The Wilmington Blue Rocks have been a Royals’ Class A-Advanced affiliate for 26 years (1993-2004 and 2007-20), playing in the Carolina League. During their partnership with the Royals, the Blue Rocks won six division titles, as well as five Carolina League championships, including most recently in 2019, their last year of competition. The Royals want to thank the ownership group, led by Dave Heller of Main Street Baseball, as well as the previous majority owners – the Minker family. The club named an organizational award in Matt Minker’s honor for excellence in minor league service, while his son, Clark, served as principal owner after Matt’s passing. The Royals also want to recognize the efforts of the front office – General Managers Andrew Layman and Chris Kemple – their support staff, the City of Wilmington as well as the host families, stadium workers and fans.

The Lexington Legends have been a Royals’ Class A affiliate since 2013 as a member of the South Atlantic League. During their partnership for the last eight years, the Legends were two-time division champions and won back-to-back South Atlantic League titles in 2018 and 2019, their last two years of competition. The Royals want to thank owners Susan Martinelli Shea and Andy Shea, who also serves as team president, the front office, the City of Lexington as well as the stadium support staff and fans.

Idaho Falls has been a Royals’ Rookie affiliate since 2004 as a member of the Pioneer League. During their partnership, which spanned 17 years, the Chukars won four division titles and were two-time Pioneer League champions, in 2013 and 2019, their last year of competition. The Royals want to thank the ownership group, Elmore Sports Group, led by Dave & DG Elmore, as well as long-time General Manager Kevin Greene, the City of Idaho Falls and the great fan base for their support over the years.

The Burlington Royals have been a Rookie affiliate since 2007 as a member of the Appalachian League. During their partnership, the B-Royals have made four playoff appearances and reached the Appalachian League finals three times. The Royals want to thank former owner of Burlington Baseball Inc., Miles Wolff, former Vice President of Burlington Baseball Inc., Dan Moushon and new owner and previous General Manager, Ryan Keur. The organization also wishes to recognize the Appalachian League for giving the Royals an opportunity to join the league in 2007, the City of Burlington for annually improving the facility and the fans of the Burlington Royals for their support.

The Kansas City Royals wish all four organizations the best in their new endeavors as we continue to grow the game of baseball at all levels throughout the country.