2009 Midnight Sun Goldpanners
2009: Stats • Schedule/Results • Roster • Pictures

Dodge City, Kansas
 July 20, 2009

Goldpanners Hit the Town in Dodge City, KS

Monday was a busy day for the Midnight Sun Goldpanners, as they took part in several activities throughout their one day in Dodge City, KS.

The kick-off actually began the night before, when the Goldpanners received a welcome dinner put together by Dodge City resident Debbie Setzkorn and several families who hosted the Goldpanners players during their stay. Despite the team getting in at close to 11 p.m.- some four hours after their expected arrival- they were welcomed with their first hot dinner in weeks, full of Midwestern barbeque, homemade macaroni and cheese, and a variety of desserts.

After a quick turnaround, it was time to sight see Monday morning, as the team began on a trolley ride throughout the historic Kansas town. Players, coaches and support staff took the trolley up to Boot Hill, Gospel Hill, and several other old buildings throughout town, including a library and post office close to 200 years old.

Next, the team was given a walking tour of Dodge City, catching several important landmarks dedicated to the television show Gunsmoke. Although Gunsmoke never actually filmed in the small town, there are several monuments and plaques honorning the cast, including it’s most famous alum- Burt Reynolds, who was just starting his acting career at that point.

Following the walking tour, the Goldpanners had the opportunity to make a quick pit stop at a local museum, where they took in a real, old-fashioned Wild West shootout. Although much to the disappointment of some of the players no guns were actually used, and all the performers were safe. Several Goldpannes posed for pictures following the shoot-out.

The final scheduled event of the day was the most important, as the team visited the Youthville children’s facility, right outside town lines. The facility homes children who have been neglected and abandoned by their parents and have had to be taken in by the state.

Over the course of the Goldpanners two hours at the facility, the team answered several questions from the children, ranging from how they got their starts in baseball, to their favorite teams and players and even into favorite video games and movies.

The Goldpanners finished their day of course playing baseball, losing 6-5 to the Dodge City A’s. Despite the loss, several players commented that it was one of the most fulfilling parts of the trip to date.