As the nation prepares for the American semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Alaska has embraced a unique theme for its participation in the America250 celebrations: baseball.
State historian Katherine J. Ringsmuth, along with the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology, has crafted a traveling exhibit titled ‘Alaska’s Fields of Dreams: Baseball in America’s Far North.’ This exhibit consists of nine panels, each representing an inning of baseball and showcasing Alaska’s significant role in this quintessential American pastime.
Covering over 150 years of baseball history in Alaska, the exhibit highlights the journey from early baseball clubs like the Knock Down and Skin ‘Em club of St. Paul Island to the establishment of the Alaska Baseball League. It tells the story of how baseball has connected Alaskans to the broader narrative of United States history.
In late 2022, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed Administrative Order 357, which designated the Alaska Historical Commission to coordinate state efforts for America250. This led Ringsmuth and the commission, chaired by Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, into action, planning and organizing events statewide.
While many states will focus on their historical contributions during America’s formative years, Alaska, having only joined the Union as the 49th state, offers a more recent but equally vibrant story. As Anchorage and other communities emerged in the early 20th century, baseball became a vessel for cultural values and social cohesion. ‘By the 1910s and 1920s, with places like Anchorage taking shape, we see these communities transform into true American towns, and baseball was integral to that transformation,’ Ringsmuth explained.
The exhibit captures the geographical diversity and varied participation in baseball throughout Alaska’s history. It documents the involvement of Alaska Native communities, recounts baseball games played in remote areas like Goodnews Bay and Nome—where miners utilized burlap bags as makeshift bases—and emphasizes the contributions of women to the sport.
A notable highlight includes the arrival of Negro League legend Satchel Paige in Alaska in 1965 and the infamous Midnight Sun games, celebrating the uniqueness of baseball under Alaska’s long summer days.
The theme for Alaska’s commitment to America250 is ‘History for Tomorrow.’ Ringsmuth emphasized the focus on inspiring the younger generation. ‘We wanted to create something that instills optimism in our young people, showing them that they have the opportunity to dream for a brighter tomorrow, and sports are a wonderful means to convey that message,’ she stated.
The baseball exhibit has been showcased in various locations throughout the state during the summer. This Wednesday, it will feature at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub during the AK Sports Shorts storytelling event. Among the seven speakers will be Olga Zacharof from St. Paul, who will discuss the history of the Knock Down and Skin ‘Em club, recognized as Alaska’s first baseball team.
Ringsmuth will also be present along with Lorraine Henry from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to discuss Alaska’s involvement in the America250 initiatives during intermission. The event is set to begin at 6 p.m., with tickets priced at $20, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Healthy Futures Game Changer program, which aims to provide grants to underprivileged youth to alleviate barriers in participating in sports.
The baseball exhibit serves not only as a celebration of Alaska’s rich baseball heritage but also acts as a gateway to broader community engagement in America250-related events and activities. Plans are in place for a Week of Dreams—a weeklong homage to baseball culminating in celebrations on July 4, 2026.
This exciting week will feature youth games, legacy softball tournaments, and Indigenous baseball games, along with the recognition of Growden Memorial Ballpark in Fairbanks as part of the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the legacy of the Knock Down and Skin ‘Em club, founded in 1868, will be prominently honored.
Thanks to partnerships with local figureheads like Anchorage coach and former professional player Jamar Hill, the Alaska Historical Commission is also coordinating with the Major League Baseball commissioner’s office to facilitate the participation of former MLB players, many of whom have ties to the Alaska Baseball League, during the Week of Dreams events.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to engage current MLB players, including Aaron Judge, a former star of the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, who may be involved remotely.
Ringsmuth stated, ‘We are creating a story map that can be shared online. We encourage former players to call in and share their experiences playing in Alaska and their favorite memories.’
This initiative will ensure that the narrative of baseball in Alaska continues to connect the past with the future as the state celebrates its unique history during the America250 festivities.
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