The Fairbanks Adult Amateur Baseball League (FAABL) is gearing up for another season of action. With roots tracing back decades, the league still goes strong and aims to add another team this year while carrying forward a long-standing tradition of summer baseball in the city.
Players from all walks of life suit up for one of the league’s franchises, including the Icemen, Pirates, Spruce, Blizzard and a new addition this season — the Cienfuegos.
Primarily playing on Sundays, with additional games on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the league offers more than just competition – it provides a sense of community. Players often come from working families, military backgrounds, or are young adults seeking to stay involved in the sport they love.
“When you’re playing with the guys, it means a lot because it’s something to do in the summer,” FAABL member Michael Zuniga said. “And what I mean by that is, right now the vision of the league is – let’s provide something for families and friends to just be outside and hangout. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to play ... we like to play music, throw barbecues ... it’s a healthy environment where everybody can come. We use baseball as a vehicle for community.”
Games are held throughout the summer, highlighted by marquee events like the annual All-Star Game – where top FAABL talent takes on the Alaska Goldpanners at Growden Park — and the City Series, which crowns the league champion at the end of the season.
Most contests are held at the field at West Valley High School, with select games at Growden Park offering special moments for players.
Being a wood bat league adds an old-school feel, echoing the traditional roots of the game. Games are played over seven innings and follow MLB-style rules.
The league’s multi-decade history, paired with the chance to take the field at Growden — a park that’s hosted its share of legendary players — creates a memorable stage for everyone involved.
“Playing in Fairbanks is so special,” Zuniga said. “You have the midnight sun, you know when you’re playing at the Goldpanners’ stadium, you’re playing on the same field as guys like Tom Seaver, Barry Bonds, Rick Monday and Dave Winfield. It’s kind of like the ‘Field of Dreams’ in a sense — you know the ghosts are there, they’ve all played there.”
Tryouts for the upcoming season are set for May 4 as the league prepares to welcome new players.
Looking toward the future, the FAABL continues to expand, with the addition of the Cienfuegos as the newest team this season. The league also hopes to add volunteers in other areas like sports photography, stat keeping, PA announcing and more to add to its presence.
“I think this year more than others, we’re getting structured,” Zuniga said. “I want to expand it beyond baseball players but have other skills to get involved… I want people to want to do that and make sure the avenues are available for them to do that. That’s something I believe the league is going to want to focus a bit on this year and get that going — that’s going to add to the community.”
Contact Caleb Jones at (907) 459-7530 or at cjones@newsminer.com.
