He's the King

One of the traditions of the baseball Winter Meetings is the naming of a 'King of Baseball' every year. This year, the new King has some Midwest League ties.

Walker Crowned "King of Baseball"

One of the top honors in all of baseball came home to Burlington this weekend as Burlington Baseball Association President Dave Walker was crowned the "King of Baseball" during the Annual Banquet at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN last Thursday night.

The King of Baseball is presented annually to a veteran of professional baseball for long-time dedication to the game. It was first awarded in 1951 and past winners include some of the legends of the industry including: Joe Buzas, Lefty Gomez, Max Patkin, John Henry Moss, and Roland Hemond.

"I am honored to even be considered for this," Dave said. "While this award is bestowed upon myself, it is a team of people that keep the Bees an integral part of Southeast Iowa and West-central Illinois. Similarly, it is the work of many talented and dedicated people at the national level that keeps minor league baseball alive and well throughout the United States."

"Baseball, by its very nature, is a TEAM sport. It takes the efforts of many people to accomplish the successes we've had. Whether it is the Bees, or the challenges we face at the national level, my work in minor league baseball is a labor of love."