Burlington wins MWL title without playing

You see a lot of different things in the minor leagues, and you can add this one to the list.

The Burlington Bees were declared champions of the Midwest League on Saturday despite not even playing a game. Game 3 of the best-of-5 MWL championship series was rained out for a second-straight day. With even more rain in the forecast for the South Bend, Ind., area, Midwest League President George Spelius invoked a league bylaw that allows shortening of the title series to a best-of-3 if there is persistent inclement weather.

Since Burlington won the first two games of the series, the Bees were crowed champs. It seemed a fair call considering the Burlington won Game 1, 6-0, and Game 2, 12-0, at home.

Why is there such a rush to complete the MWL postseason? Major league organizations conduct instructional leagues for its minor leaguers each fall. Those begin early this week.