When the World Series begins Tuesday night in Kansas City, there will be a special connection to Burlington, Iowa.
That's because a quarter of the Royals' roster once played ball with the Burlington Bees.
These big baseball dreams often start with small ball.
The Royals 29-year wait for a World Series is over.
That championship quest began in Burlington six years ago. That's when the Class A Bees captured the Midwest League title.
"It's not all about learning the fundamentals of the game," said longtime General Manager Chuck Brockett. "It's also about learning how to win."
In all, nine former Bees and a coach are playing roles with the American League champions.
Active players include: Mike Moustakas, Danny Duffy, Salvador Perez, Eric Hosmer, Jarrod Dyson and Kelvin Herrera.
Kansas City Bullpen Coach Doug Henry was the Bees pitching coach in 2008.
Burlington Police Lieutenant Jeff Klein served as a host dad for future major leaguer Mike Moustakas.
"Everything you see from Mike Moustakas on the field is the same way he was when he was here. Hard-working kid, engageable."
Moustakas switched from shortstop to third base that year. He spent the entire '08 season in Burlington, playing in 126 games.
It was part of a rebuilding era for the Royals that started in the minors at Burlington.
"It's unbelieveable, actually," said Brockett.
Brockett, who has served as GM since 2000, experienced it all.
"The excitement of watching them play is the same as what we had when they were here in '08," he recalled.
There's another unique local connection. 1985 Moline High graduate Dayton Moore serves as the general manager in Kansas City.
The World Series excitement is even more special. That's because Burlington's community-owned team helped to develop championship caliber players.
Games at Community Field back then built a winning attitude. That feeling in Burlington carried on to Kansas City.
As Brockett and Klein look back, it's really something remarkable.
"Looking forward to seeing six former Bees on the Royals bench," Brockett said.
"It will be a good show," Klein countered.
"Awesome," Brockett concluded.
A World Series dream that's hitting a home run in Burlington.