Summer solstice baseball games played in Fairbanks during the early 1900s may not have drawn the huge crowds they do today, but they were just as intense.
One of the most cherished traditions in the world of baseball began as a bar bet between two saloon owners at the turn of the last century when Fairbanks was a small gold rush town. The stakes? Bragging rights for the entire winter.
According to local lore, the first "High Noon at Midnight Classic" was played on June 21, 1906, between the Eagle's Club and the California Bar. Led by Eddie Stoecker, who became known as "Father of the Midnight Sun Game," the score ended with the Eagles falling to California 7-4.
"Tell this to your friends when you go outside," The Fairbanks Daily Times wrote the next morning. "Say to them that on June 21, while you were in Fairbanks you attended a game of baseball that started at 11 o'clock at night and ended at 12:30 the morning after."
This extraordinary event has continued to captivate fans and players alike for more than a century. Although, after that first game, "outsiders" were brought in to take on the Fairbanks team, according to the Alaska Goldpanners' website.
The Goldpanners, a collegiate summer league team, became host of the games in 1960, which brought this unique event to the attention of baseball fans worldwide and marked the beginning of a new era for the midnight game. The team elevated its profile and attracted talent from across the nation. The book "baseball America" has called it one of the "12 must-see events for the baseball fan."
The game's timing is made possible by Fairbanks' geographical location, just 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle. On the summer solstice, the sun barely sets, providing enough natural light for the entire game to be played without artificial lighting. The first pitch is typically thrown at 10:30 p.m., and as the game progresses, the sun dips slightly below the horizon before rising again, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.
Over the years, the Midnight Sun Game has attracted teams from around the world. In 1967, a team from Japan participated, and in 1984, a Taiwanese team took part in this nocturnal spectacle. These international matchups have added to the game's mystique and global appeal.
The game also has seen its share of future baseball stars. Since taking over the hosting duties, the Alaska Goldpanners have sent more than 200 players to the major leagues. Notable alumni include Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Dave Winfield, as well as Barry Bonds and Terry Francona. This impressive roster of talent has further cemented the game's significance in baseball lore.
One of the most cherished traditions of the Midnight Sun Game occurs during the half-inning closest to midnight. The game pauses, and spectators join in singing the "Alaska Flag Song," a moment that encapsulates the spirit of the event.
The popularity of the Midnight Sun Game has grown steadily over the years. While regular Goldpanners' games might draw a few hundred fans, the Midnight Sun Game routinely attracts crowds of 3,500 to 5,000 spectators. This surge in attendance transforms Growden Memorial Park into a hub of excitement and celebration.
In recent years, the Midnight Sun Game has faced challenges, including the cancellation of the 2020 game due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the resilience of the Fairbanks community was evident as a local adult league staged an All-Star Game to keep the tradition alive, albeit in a modified form.
From its humble beginnings as a bar bet to its status as an internationally recognized event, the Midnight Sun Game has become a symbol of Alaska's spirit and a reminder that even in the land of the midnight sun, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd can still bring a community together.
This column features tidbits found while researching Alaska's colorful past for Aunt Phil's Trunk, a six-book Alaska history series written by Laurel Downing Bill and her late aunt, Phyllis Downing Carlson. The books are available at bookstores and gift shops throughout Alaska, as well as online.
