Sunday, May 26, 2013

On This Date: Excerpts from Moorhead's Opening Day


Excerpts from my writing on Moorhead's opening day:

May 26, 1897 -

Moorhead hosted Wahpeton-Breckenridge in the season opener for each team... Before the game, the Moorhead cranks held an afternoon parade, held in part to encourage residents of both Fargo and Moorhead to come out and “root” for the Barmaids... An impressive crowd of 600 to 700 congregated at the Moorhead ballpark for a 3:30 matchup with Wahpeton-Breckenridge and saw Moorhead Mayor Lewis throw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the on-field festivities. After this, Lewis spoke briefly to the crowd and bestowed upon the Moorhead club a horseshoe for good luck... Superstitious fans were satisfied with the gesture, as Moorhead prevailed 16-7 in this season opening game.