2008 “Alumni Midnight Pitch” Delivered by 1963 Goldpanner Al Coutts

In 2008, the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks celebrated their 49th season of competition in the 49th anniversary of statehood for the 49th state of the Union.  In connection with this remarkable confluence -- and in appreciation for the half century of student-athletes who have been elevated by the Panner program -- it was been decided that then was finally the time for the formation of our long-awaited alumni group.

During the 2008 Midnight Sun Baseball Classic that the AKGPA was officially launched, and its charter class inaugurated. Eventually invitations to join will be sent to all former players, coaches, trainers, staff, and known Goldpanners fans.

The AKGPA is an association - in conjunction with the “Sons & Daughters of the Midnight Sun” - consisting of Goldpanner players, coaches, personnel, and fans -- all of whom regard the experience of summer baseball in Fairbanks, Alaska as one of the highlights of their lives, and regard the non-professional Goldpanners as sitting atop a pinnacle of sports organizations. Recently, the Sporting News declared that, during the summer solstice, this event makes Fairbanks the baseball capitol of the world. It is widely felt that the century-old experience and atmosphere of the game of baseball in the Tanana Valley forever changes all who truly experience it -- whether one is a player, coach, or one of the lucky witnesses to the spectacle. Accordingly, with each passing season, a greater fraternity builds, joined by all who are able to appreciate the special memories which come from Alaska Goldpanners baseball in Fairbanks.

This abiding “Spirit of the Interior” has perhaps been best manifested in Bob Boone’s official request of Major League Baseball (in 1973) to allow all Goldpanners to wear a “star 49” pin on the sides of their major league caps. Though the cap request was ultimately turned down by the commissioner’s office, this enduring fondness for Fairbanks and the Goldpanners experience still remained to be worn on the sleeves of Bob and countless other veterans.

All Goldpanners who visit Fairbanks during the Midnight Sun Game will be eligible for immediate addition to the AKGPA rolls.  Let us know if you are coming, and we'll present your certificate on the field during the pre-game ceremonies!

• 2008: AKGPA Recommendation to N.B.C. for Induction of Bill Lee into Hall of Fame

2011

George Milke, Marty French, Kurt Wittmayer

2008

Don Slaught and Don Dennis

Mike Weathers (86-87-88) and Alan Regier (88)

Don Dennis and Tom Wheeler

Don Dennis, Mike Weathers, Don Sneddon

The AKGPA charter class includes the following FIELD DIVISION members:

- Bill “Spaceman” Lee (66-67) - MLB All-Star Pitcher ; Member, Red Sox Hall of
Fame ; 1988 Presidential Candidate, Rhinoceros Party ticket.

- Bruce Robinson (72-73-74-75) - First Round Draft Pick, 1975 ; MLB catcher
with Oakland and New York (AL) ; Inventor of catcher’s gear modification

- Jerry McClain (67-68) - Head Coach at Santa Clara University ; Manager of the
Valley Green Giants, North Pole Nicks and Anchorage Bucs.

- Al Coutts (63) - 1st Team NCAA All-American ; Played in LA Angels System ;
Member of Orange County Sheriff’s Department for 32 years.

- Don Sneddon (80) - All-Southern California Player at Cerritos ; All American at
CS-Fullerton ; All-time Winningest Coach in California Community College History

- George Horton (81-83) - Head Coach at CS-Fullerton, 2004 College World
Series Championship ; Now Rebuilding University of Oregon’s Baseball Program
After 26 Year Span as a Club Sport.

In addition to these, there are a number of members of the FAN DIVISION who are
likewise set to be entered into the rolls at the 2008 inauguration. In order to join
this charter class of members, you must join prior to June 21st. After the elevation
of the 2008 class, the AKGPA will begin organizing the 2009 membership class.
To commemmorate the launch of the AKGPA, Bill Lee, Al Coutts, and Don Sneddon
will be on hand at the 103rd Midnight Sun Game on June 21, 2008. Each year
hereafter, thehereafter, the AKGPA will fly a member to Fairbanks to provide the “Ceremonial
Alumni Pitch at Midight” for this special event.

ALASKA GOLDPANNERS OF FAIRBANKS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
sponsored by Sons & Daughters of the Midnight Sun


Membership Benefits

1) Lifetime pass to the Midnight Sun Game

2) Commemorative Silver 1 oz coin.

3) Admission to mid-winter convention in Southern California


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COMING PROJECTS

 Fairbanks Sports/Baseball Hall of Fame

Baseball Card Sets

Annual Fishing Trip Giveaways

Golden Days Parade Float

Other Reasons to Join the AKGPA

Alumni Group Invitation to Special Events and Annual Winter Event - The AKGPA plans to host three “core events” : Midnight Sun Game reception party on June 20 ; “Stroecker Day” Double-header reception in conjunction with an appearance at the Golden Days Parade ; as well as a mid-winter dinner and sports tournament in “the lower 48.” In 2009, San Diego will be the host site for this event. Email notification of special events - As special and regional events are added to the schedule, they will be added to PannerAlumni.com, and will be mailed to members at their shared email address.

Unique Password to PannerAlumni.com Secure Sections

Premium content at the alumni website. This includes a member directory with current contact information, which is protected from public display. Also, message boards and picture galleries are in the works with both public and premium (private) content. Addition to Online Goldpanner Alumni Directory - In addition to a listing of all members -- Field and Fan Divisions, private contact information will be available for members only in the Premium Section of PannerAlumni.com.

Free @panneralumni.com or @goldpanners.com email accounts
- If so desired, email accounts with these endings are available. They would be set up as “forwarders,” so that all mail sent to this address would be automatically routed to your current email address.