Doc “Moonlight” Graham “Thirst Games” Pub Crawl is happening on Friday, May 16th at 5pm! Registration starts in “District 12” (Jim’s Sports Club) from 4:30-5:00pm. Tributes will have 4 hours to travel from District to District including Snickers Pizza & Pub, Jim’s Sports Club, Valentini’s, Tom & Jerry’s and shuttle service back and forth to Buhl’s Hydeaway Bar & Billy’s Pit Stop Pub & Grub. At each District there will be beers/seltzers samples for tasting, food/snacks, and a signature drink to try that you will vote on at the end. You want to get your card stamped at each District to be eligible for cash prize drawings and there will be a game at each spot for a chance to win more prizes. The night will end at the Capitol (Valentini’s) where you will turn in your stamp-filled card, vote on your favorite signature drink, and we will draw for cash prizes, announce the winners of the games, split the pot, best bartenders, & signature drink. Dress up is optional, but you are encouraged to come as your favorite “Hunger Games” character or your crazy “Capitol Flare”! Tickets sold at each “District” or you can buy online HERE. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door.
Doc “Moonlight” Graham
⚾ Early Life and Baseball Career
Born on November 12, 1876, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Graham was a talented athlete who played baseball at the University of North Carolina. He also played minor league baseball for several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets and the Nashua, New Hampshire team in the New England League. In 1905, while still a medical student at the University of Maryland, he made a brief appearance as a right fielder for the New York Giants on June 29, 1905. He played two innings, but a ball was never hit in his direction, and he didn’t get a chance to bat. After this game, he returned to the minors and played for the Scranton Miners, leading the New York State League with a .336 batting average in 1906. He retired from professional baseball after the 1908 season. Kansas City+4Wikipedia+4NC DNCR+4NC DNCRKansas City+1MLB.com+1
Medical Career in Chisholm, Minnesota
In 1909, Graham moved to Chisholm, Minnesota, where he became a beloved local physician. He served as the town doctor for over five decades, providing free medical care to immigrant miners and their families. Notably, he played a crucial role during a typhoid epidemic in 1910, helping to keep the death rate low. His dedication to the community earned him the affectionate nickname “Doc” Graham. He continued to practice medicine until his death on August 25, 1965. Baltimore Examiner+2UNC Libraries Blogs+2MLB.com+2MLB.comBaltimore ExaminerUNC Libraries Blogs+2Wikipedia+2Baltimore Examiner+2
Cultural Legacy
Graham’s unique story caught the attention of author W.P. Kinsella, who included him in his 1982 novel Shoeless Joe. The novel was adapted into the 1989 film Field of Dreams, where Graham is portrayed by Burt Lancaster and Frank Whaley. In the film, Graham is depicted as a kind-hearted physician who once dreamed of playing professional baseball. The movie has since become a classic, and Graham’s character remains a symbol of unfulfilled potential and community service. Wikipedia+3NC DNCR+3Atlas Obscura+3MLB.com+5Wikipedia+5Pinterest+5Baltimore Examiner
Honors and Memorials
In recognition of his contributions, the Moonlight Graham Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Chisholm High School. Additionally, the town of Chisholm hosts an annual “Doc Moonlight Graham Days” festival, celebrating his life and legacy.Wikipedia
If you’re interested in visiting Chisholm to learn more about Doc Graham, I can provide information on local attractions and events.
