 |
| Source: Flickr |
Hello, all! If you're in the eastern half of the US like I am you are probably dealing with lots of snow and ice and unusually cold temperatures. I actually like cold weather, but enough is enough. After being snowed in this past Saturday I was in the mood to think about baseball, the "boys of summer," and the game that is featured in my book Polar Day, the Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks, Alaska.
I first learned about the game while doing research for my book and I couldn't believe how well it fit my story. The game is played on the summer solstice and has been an annual tradition in Fairbanks since 1906. It begins at 10:30 at night and ends between 1 or 2 the next morning.
The sun sets at around 12:47 on the night of the solstice and rises again two hours later. While the sun does dip below the horizon during the game, twilight provides more than enough light for the game to go on. Artificial light has never been used or needed. Famous players who have participated in the fabled game include Tom Seaver, Dave Winfield, and Jason Giambi.
The game is hosted by the Alaska Goldpanners, who have the distinction of being the northernmost baseball club on the planet. As Jim Caple wrote in this piece for ESPN.com Page 2, the game is night baseball "in the sunlight and on top of the world."
Are you familiar with the Midnight Sun game? If you've been to Alaska, have you been to this event? The baseball fan in me would love to go someday.
Also today I'm happy to shine the spotlight on a fellow Ink Smith Publishing author, Banie Lee. Banie is the author of Sleep Drifter, which is FREE on Amazon all this week. Be sure to get yourself a copy!
Author: Banie Lee
Publisher: Ink Smith Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy
Price: FREE for a limited time (2/23-28)
Synopsis
When fifteen-year-old Kylie and Camden meet at the Southeastern Ohio portal to the realm of Inswandi, Camden is torn. It is Camden's purpose as a Watcher to protect humans, which means keeping Jud and the Obsidians sealed within the realm of Inswandi. Yet, the Obsidians whisper to Kylie to open it while she sleepwalks. During the day, Camden's teenage group Team White Star patrols near the covert Arch compound disguised in their shifted form as deer. Unbeknownst to Camden and his team, his Inswandi ancestors take a first kiss very seriously. The Mate Mark has the same meaning as an engagement ring, and it has unexpectedly restarted on earth. The appearance of more colored circles upon one's arm could mean an eternal bond has been made.
To add to Camden's troubles, the Watcher leaders prepare to host the annual July Jubilee. Watchers from the other seven compounds will come to the Arch for a one-week celebration. Consequently, this will leave the Arch vulnerable to uninvited guests, like Jud, a former Watcher turned Obsidian, and his followers. The shape shifting coyotes, Jud's followers, constantly pursue the team during their break from training. They want the keys to open the portal. If Camden's team fails to stop Jud in his quest to open the portal, the Obsidians will enslave humankind.
Connect with Banie Lee
Hi, Julie:
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of those baseball games. Its amazing what research will bring to you.
Congrats to your friend and her new book!
Hugs and chocolate!
I've heard of the Midnight Sun game. Can you imagine a night game not needing lights?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of it until just now. I have a friend that lives near Fairbanks, I'll have to ask if she's been there. What a great tidbit!
ReplyDeleteThat is the coolest thing I've heard about in a long time. :-D
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
This is the first I've heard of that game, but it sounds like it would really be fun to attend. And I'm not even a diehard fan.
ReplyDeleteMuch success to Bani Lee with her book!
Only two hours of psuedo-night? How does anyone sleep?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book release Bani.
What a perfect post for mid-winter - it's so hopeful!!! I'd never heard of the midnight sun game, but I love it. And I love that its made it's way into your book!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Banie!
@Shelly, hugs back to you!
ReplyDelete@Alex, I can't, it's such a cool thing.
@Elsie, oh, that would be cool if your friend has been!
@Anna, isn't it? I just loved it.
@Carol, I know, I doubt I will make it but it would be fun.
@dolorah, I agree, I think that would be so strange! I guess people get used to anything.
@Liz, I was so happy when I came upon it, really just by accident!
Sounds interesting. I hope it can hold my attention since I'm not that sporty.
ReplyDeleteNope, I'd never heard of the game before, but what an awesome event! Maybe I'll have to put it on my agenda when I finally do make that one-day trip to Alaska.
ReplyDeleteThat's so neat! And congrats to Banie! I'm seeing her all over today. :)
ReplyDeleteI never heard of the midnight sun game until I read your book. Totally cool! (Well, actually, it was kinda HOT, wasn't it...?)
ReplyDeleteTom Seaver played in one of those games? As a former Baltimore Orioles fan, I wish he would've stayed in Alaska. I still can't believe he and his "miraculous Mets" beat us in the Series of '69. Dang it.
That so interesting! I haven't been to a baseball game since I was a kid. Actually, I've only ever been to one!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Banie!
That game would be so cool to see.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Banie.
My niece lives in Anchorage, so yes I've heard of them but I've never seen any. I do know how easy it is to be up and going strong at 2AM up there because it's like noon some of the year.
ReplyDeleteThe Midnight Sun game would be a great way to entice my boys to visit Alaska! Like you, they're huge baseball fans, and this would truly be a unique experience.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Banie!
Julie
The game sounds familiar to me, but I'm not sure where I first heard of it. I think that would be so fun.
ReplyDeleteWow! I think it would be fascinating to go to that baseball game. I hadn't heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting about the games.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book release Bani.
I attended the game the first year I was in Alaska, what fun. Everything, especially that first year was an adventure.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading your new book! Congratulations!
Hi Julie - I'd never heard about the game - but what a great idea .. and it's been going for over 100 years. What a great tourist attraction ... I'd be fascinated to go and visit.
ReplyDeleteMind you I can find out more by reading your book: Polar Day ... I will!
Cheers and thanks for letting us know - cheers Hilary
Midnight Sun game? Never heard of it. Sounds quite cool.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Banie Lee!
Oh wow. I never knew that. Love learning knew fun facts!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to Banie. She's a sweetie. I got my copy of Drifters and can't wait to read it!
I had no idea about the solstice, the game, or that the sun could even set and rise again two hours later. Wow! Thanks for the amazing info - I love when you write about Alaska! Congrats to Banie!
ReplyDeleteHa! That's really cool to play baseball at night while it's still light. I used to play women's soccer and sometimes we had 10:30 night games. It had artificial light, though. LOL.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Banie Lee!