95th ANNUAL MIDNIGHT SUN GAME
The Alaska Goldpanners Salute
The Stroecker Legacy
In Fairbanks Baseball

PROMOTION DATE: JUNE 21, 2000 - The Summer Solstice

The town of Fairbanks was founded when a sternwheeler carrying trader E.T. Barnette became beached in the shallow Chena River.  Awaiting thaw and a new boat to head upstream (the sternwheeler retreating, according to contract), Felix Pedro discovered gold, convincing Barnette to found a trading post on the shores of the Chena.  Fairbanks became a booming gold rush town overnight.

During the '00s, baseball served as a main form of recreation for the numerous men who worked the mines.  In fact, they depended on baseball as a means of relaxation... which is not to say that they took the game lightly.   In fact, the area players earned distinction for the intensity of their play.

One of the main organizers of local baseball was a Fairbanks pioneer by the name of Eddie Stroecker.  He was called "the grand ol' man," and was even the subject of a famous  area poem of the same name.     Today, he is called the "father of the Midnight Sun Game."

Now, nearly 100 years later, his legacy lives on.    Remarkably, his son, William G. Stroecker, is still associated with baseball in Fairbanks.   He has served as president of the board that supports the Goldpanners for 34 consecutive years, and has been a steady presence at Goldpanner games since the team's conception.

In 2000, The Alaska Goldpanners will be saluting "Bill" and Eddie Stroecker for their incalculable contribution to Fairbanks baseball.

Alaskan author Lew Freedman will be adding an important element to the evening with the release of the first edition of his book celebrating the history of baseball in Alaska.  The Goldpanners will be giving away dozens of his books during the pregame ceremonies.

In addition, former Goldpanner Dan Grimm will be present to throw out the first pitch.  Dan was the team's Most Valuable Pitcher in 1973, and compiled a formidable record in his three seasons with the team.  His personal Goldpanner page is worth visiting.

As always, the game will stop at midnight.  Singer Nancy Deleon will present her rendition of the Alaska Flag Song.  Usually by the time the game ends, the Tanana Valley twilight turns into a beautiful sunrise over the surrounding hills. 

This most-natural of promotions has been called one of 12 "must-see events" by Baseball America.

MIDNIGHT SUN GAME

JUNE 2, 2000  Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks