The PEBA Draft is over. You’re a top-round draft pick with seven figures of bonus money and you’re ready to pick up your bat, or your resin bag, and make your long climb up to playing in the metropolises of Yuma or Gloucester. However, you won’t be starting there.

Welcome to the Surf and Snow Amalgamation, shortened to the “Surf and Snow,” PEBA’s short-season A league. This is where most draftees begin. The Surf and Snow consists of two leagues, the Alaska League and the Hawai’i League, with twelve teams in the states of Alaska and Hawai’i, respectively. It’s one thing to be away from home after graduating high school; but going to Barrow or Lana’i City can be like leaving the planet Earth and ending up somewhere on Mars. The struggles that players face to make it occur not just on the field, but off it as well, as they adjust to circumstances that they had hardly imagined.

So what are these cities like? Where do players end up and what can they expect to see? We’ll look at each of the leagues and provide a brief summary of the locations that will be etched in the minds of future PEBA superstars for the rest of their lives.

ALASKA

Alaska can be described in three words: cold, big, and remote. Some of the road games are literally thousands of miles away, since two states the size of Texas can be fitted into Alaska with room left over. If you don’t go to a big city like Anchorage or Juneau, you might end up in rural fishing towns that are miles away from anything.   Since most amenities have to be brought to Alaska, even a bag of Doritos could set you back ten dollars. You could find yourself face to face with wild moose or bear.

The game-day temperature in most cities is around 30 to 50 degrees – long sleeves and jackets are the norm and in places like Barrow the surface of the field can be as hard as concrete. The bat stings your hands due to the cold when you make a hit, and pitchers have to frequently deal with drizzly weather. Sunlight in the summer can last between 19 and 21 hours long – there’s no need for artificial lighting most of the time. In most cities, the game atmosphere is strictly blue-collar, and they love their sports. so players have to get used to drunken heckling. Many cities can only be reached by airplane or ferry, leading to a serious feeling of claustrophobia.

There is also generally a shortage of women in Alaska. Young players need to bring their A-game if they’re going to pick up girls or, if unsuccessful, they can go to one of Alaska’s many bars to commiserate. But if you look like you’re really trying? Well, in most places the fans will take you to their collective bosom. Indeed, most players end up rooming with families in the towns in which they play.

Akutan Island (Canton): Akutan Island is only 18 miles long and only has one city – Akutan, population of approximately 1,000. It was the former home of the only whaling station in the Aleutian Islands, which closed in 1939. Akutan also had the honor of being evacuated due to the Japanese invasion of the Aleutians in World War II. They have an emergency care facility; so there’s that. Most of the residents – about 40 percent – are Asians who are involved with the fishing industry, and are transients. If you want fun, you need to take a boat across the bay to Unalaska (yes, that’s the name), a town of 4,300 where the king crab fishery is located (if you’ve seen Deadliest Catch, you’ve seen the fishery.) Avoid getting into a fight at the Akutan Roadhouse.

Anchorage (New Orleans): Anchorage is a mighty town; going there is not like going to a lot of towns in the “Snow” part of the Surf and Snow. With 290,000 residents it is Alaska’s largest city. Pretty much anything you’d want to do in a fairly large city in the United States, you can do in Anchorage – and there’s no city sales tax, a bonus for underpaid baseball players. The weather’s also pretty good, sometimes in the 60s and 70s. Avoid, however, the moose and bears which have been known to wonder into the city. Despite its charms, the high rents, gang violence, and industrial, gritty look of the city mean that many Alaskas would prefer not to live in Anchorage.

Angoon (Reno): Angoon is located in Petersburg, which is better known as “Little Norway.” The city has a population of about 3,000, with an economy based on commercial fishing and cruise ship visits. There is, surprisingly, a lot to do in Petersburg if you like the outdoor life, and the residents tend to be friendly, if a bit clannish. There’s no fast food, however, and the best month is June (it can even push into the 80’s); but the weather goes downhill as the season wears on. There’s a good Mexican restaurant and the local high school shows first-run movies. A warning: you’ll know the whole town in 20 minutes, and you’ll either love it or hate it. You’ll always remember the seals, though….

Barrow (Kentucky): Barrow is the farthest north city in North America, with a population of 4,000. It can be a serious culture shock for anyone moving there, even if just to play baseball. Over 60 percent of the city population is Native Alaskan and it is a polar climate. A day in the 40s is a hot day even in summer, and most of the time players struggle with playing in just above freezing weather in the low to mid 30s. (So think about how the visiting team feels). Watch as a 40-mile per hour wind gust lifts a ball right over the fence – or worse, blows it right back into the park. There are jet aircraft that land there, but there are also no stores and a 12-pack of soda can cost you more than $10. On the other hand, you’ll have a lot of motivation to work on your game.

Cold Bay (Bakersfield): Cold Bay is located in the city of Dillingham, Alaska and sports a population of about 2,300. Over half of the population in Dillingham is Native Alaskan (55 percent) – a mixture of Eskimos, Aleuts, and Indians who work in commercial fishing. There are many social problems in Dillingham (alcohol, drug use) and crime is high compared to both Alaska and the United States. In 2007 Dillingham had the highest percentage of forcible rape per person in the USA. There is a small University of Alaska rural campus in town; but other than that, there’s not much to do aside from outdoor recreation.

Fairbanks (Tempe): Fairbanks has a population of 32,000 in the city and about 100,000 in the “metro area”; it is the second largest city in Alaska. It is the home of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, so when kids get back to school a popular activity is to see the Grunts play. Temperatures are usually between 50 and 70 degress. Two KFCs, three McDonalds, a Wendy’s, all the amenities are here. And if you get desperate for cash, you can always pan for gold.

Kenai (Fargo): Located near the Kenai River, Kenai is a city of about 7,000. Its closest neighbor is Soldotna, a town of about 3,700 which is about 10 miles away. Kenai is known for its great coastline and great fishing. It is a spread-out town calling itself “Alaska’s Playground”…but primarily for fishing and outdoor adventures. There is fast food and a Walmart; so the city is not without amenities, but the feel of the place is decidedly small town. The city has a lot of tourists (for the wildlife, natch) who drop in to see a Trader ballgame.

Ketchikan (Kalamazoo): Ketchikan is a city of about 8,000 and is known as the Rain Capital of Alaska. The temperature can actually get up into the 60’s in summer, making it a veritable hot spot. There is an air hub – Ketchikan International Airport – so the city actually has jet aircraft from Seattle and Juneau landing there, a real luxury. Like Sitka (see below), Ketchikan gets a lot of cruise traffic, with shuttle buses between cruise ships and Salmon games. There is a hospital in Ketchikan; it thus picks up a lot of travel for rural Alaskans seeking medical care.

Kivalina (Yuma): Kivalina is in Kotzebue (pronounced Kotz E Bew and abbreviated “Kotz” by some), a city of 3,200 north of the Kotzebue Sound, close to the Seward Peninsula which is east of the Bering Strait. Its population is over 73 percent Native Alaskan and over 40 percent of the population is under the age of 18 (the median resident age is 27). There’s a lot of social assistance, including subsidized housing, in Kotzebue and the philosophy is “work to live”, not “live to work.” The people seem to be very polite and quiet and the natives are very friendly. However, the only way to get in and out when the ferry isn’t scheduled is by prop plane.

Sitka (Charleston): Sitka – one of the oldest communities in Alaska, dating back to the time when the Russians owned it – has a population of about 9,000. What a lot of players don’t expect is the rain. Be prepared to purchase rain gear or remain perpetually damp. Even though temperatures stay in the 40’s and 50’s, the wet drizzle is a constant reminder to any rookie that they’re not in Kansas anymore. Aside from the presence of the Alaska State Trooper Academy – future troopers are a frequent presence at Capitals games – one can expect visitors from Alaska Cruise liners to also be in attendance. There’s a Subway and a McDonalds, so in a lot of ways playing in Sitka is just like playing in your local (wet) small town.

Taku (San Antonio): Taku is located near Lemon Creek, just five miles northwest of the city of Juneau and is considered to be within Juneau city limits. There is a Subway and a Chinese restaurant in town for players, and all of the creature comforts of Juneau are just a drive away. For those players needing socks and things, Taku has a Walmart (although there are rumors that it will close). Don’t get in trouble, though, or you might end up visiting the Lemon Creek Correctional Center, which is also nearby. But seriously, you’re living in Juneau for all intents and purposes. (Oh yes, and it will rain.)

Wasilla (Manchester): Wasilla is best known for being the place where Sarah Palin served as mayor before becoming governor of Alaska. A town of about 7,800, it is a part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area; one in three Wasillans commutes to Anchorage for work. It might be one of the most un-Alaska parts of Alaska, according to Joe McGinnis, who said, “That strip in Wasilla – those three or four miles – you could be in Orange County, California”; Wasilla has a reputation for being a redneck area characterized by bad zoning and urban sprawl. There are a lot of nice built-up stores, fast food, and other amenities. One of the few places in Alaska of which anyone’s ever heard.

HAWAI’I

Most players sigh with relief when they’re drafted by a team located in Hawai’i; but they fail to understand that the culture shock can be as great as being in Alaska. The weather is around 75 to 85 degrees, and it seems to rarely change, but can get humid and sticky fairly quickly.

It’s almost a foreign country. As a “haole” (Caucasian) you might be treated a bit differently and there are some places you might not be welcome. By the end of the season, players start to get “island fever” – the feeling of having seen all there is to see – and, despite the beaches, those players are back on the first plane home in the off-season. Like Alaska, groceries have to be brought in and a player can go bust quickly, despite his meal money, if he isn’t careful.

Since everybody seems to know everyone else in Hawai’i, if a player screws up they can find themselves on the local news very quickly. City development is generally restricted, so places like restaurants tend to be built on a smaller scale. Furthermore, due to the climate, there are termites, cockroaches, rust, and rot. Life is slower in Hawai’i, and those who want to see things hopping are going to have to learn to live with disappointment.

Even with all of the above, most players see Hawai’i’s teams as dream destinations and would rather play in Hawai’i than in Alaska.

Ewa Beach (Florida): On the island of O’ahu, this city of 15,000 is just five miles from Ewa, a city with a population of 270,000. There is a lot of shopping in Ewa Beach, which is at the south shore west of Pearl Harbor. A lot of military personnel live in Ewa Beach and are big fans of the Imperialists. There is no fishing license required to fish in ocean water, there are lots of golf courses and all of the amenities of big city living. The population is 55 percent Asian; so it may be a culture shock for young players used to being a part of the majority race or culture.

Hilo (New Jersey): Hilo is one of two Surf and Snow teams located on the island of Hawai’i. A city of about 41,000, it is home to the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and is known for its relatively inexpensive living. It gets a significant amount of tourism, and watching the Hoops play is just one of many things to do on a day trip. The population of the city is just as diverse as its landscape, which not dominated by any one ethnicity. For a city its size, it has a laid-back, small-town atmosphere.

Kailua (Duluth): Kailua is a residential community of about 39,000 and is home of Kailua Beach, one of the best beaches in Hawai’i. Kailua is rather cosmopolitan, with no one race in the absolute majority of residents. It is about a 30-mile commute to Honolulu and is the third largest city in the state. It’s an enjoyable spot on the “Big Island” (O’ahu). One problem is that things are pretty spread out in Kailua; unless you live right in town, players will need a car to get almost anything done.

Kauai (West Virginia): The team is located in the city of Kapa’a on Kaua’i island, a town with a population of 11,000. The population is very diverse, almost evenly split between white, Asian, Hispanic, and mixed heritage. It’s primarily a place for tourists to come and visit the funky little shops and, in general, life is very laid back. Around the area are small farms that grow (among other things) citrus, bamboo, and vanilla. Players have reported waking to the sound of roosters crowing.

Kilauea (Arlington): Kilauea is a very small town, with just 2,200 people on the island of Kaua’i.  Occasionally, crowds are supplemented by fans from the nearby town of Kalihiwai (pop. 700). Even though the town shares the name of the famous volcano, the volcano is actually the island of Hawai’i and the area is known for wild (“feral”) chickens more than it is for any volcanic activity. The Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is your place to go if you like bird watching or you can always go horseback riding., As for the name “Volcanoes”: locals either laugh at it or are awfully confused by it.

Lana’i City (Palm Springs): Lana’i City is very interesting for a number of reasons. It’s the only Surf and Snow team on the island of Lanai; its population is about 3,000; and it is one of the most endangered historic sites in the U.S., as it is home to an intact planation town (which can be found nowehere else in Hawai’i). Ninety-eight percent of the land on the island is owned by the Ellison Family – in particular Bill Ellison, the owner of the Crystal Lake franchise. The residents are majority Asian. Lanai is the very definition of small town. With just retail shops, restaurants, no major chain stores and one gas station, Lana’i’s central location on the island makes getting to the beach difficult.

Maui (London): The Stingrays are located near several cities on the island of Maui: Waikapu, Wailuku, Kahului, and Puunene, which together contain about 44,000 residents. The largest of these towns is Kahului with about 26,000. It’s known for being very windy, with an average wind of about 13 miles per hour. Most of the residents of Kahului are Filipino Catholics. The region where the Stingrays play is considered to be the most populous area on the island – the area has grown by about 33 percent since the year 2000.

Mauna Loa (Crystal Lake): The Vulcans are located near Captain Cook on the island of Hawai’i. The population of Captain Cook is around 3,400, of various backgrounds and the place has a small, funky feel. If you love coffee, the city is right in the middle of Kona coffee country and used to be a coffee plantation area – the coffee is really great. Players will take the 25 minute trip (when they can rent a car) to stop at the Kona Brewpub for pizza and beer after a game. It is close to the active volcano Mt. Kiluaea. You can go to Volcanoes National Park and, with no light pollution, the sky is studded with stars at night. If you’re bold, you can climb the volcano and see the Halema’uma’u lava lake: during a game players can look up at Mt. Kilauea and see plumes coming from the top.

Mokule’ia (Aurora): If you want small town living in Hawai’i, Mokule’ia has a population of just 1,800 people living off the north coast of O’ahu, which is part of a chain of coastal towns that includes Waimea and Sunset Beach. There are really more homes than apartments here, so lodging becomes a problem for young players. Visited by both American and Japanese tourists, Mokule’ia is definitely worth the trip. Lost was initially filmed here and there is a lot of film production; but in general the area is very quiet.

Pearl City (Connecticut): Pearl City is a town of 47,000 located away from the beach on the island of O’ahu, which is majority Asian (52.3 percent). It is basically the less affluent area of Honolulu and is on the north border of Pearl Harbor. A lot of older Japanese people live in Pearl City; it gives the impression of being a place for retirees and it has a reputation for being a pretty quiet and dull place. There’s certainly no great beach life there.

Waikiki (Omaha): Waikiki is a beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu (although the Coconuts’ park is not on the seashore). The area is resort hotel territory, and along Kalakaua Avenue one can find hi-end shopping like Dior, Tiffany, and Louis Vuitton. You can forget about roaming the beach, since all of the beachfront property belongs to the resort hotels; but it’s a good thing for the club because lots of visitors in Hawai’i have a hankering for baseball (as well as a lot of natives). Since the hotels are pretty much off limits, players have a lot of options – most players take a trip to Chinatown to find food or go to a tourist trap nightclub to get blitzed.

Waimalu (Glouchester): Just to the east of Pearl City on O’ahu is Waimalu, and the cities are very much like – Waimalu is 48 percent Asian, mainly Japanese and Filipino. Waimalu also has a reputation for being a dumpy-looking place, but there is some new construction going on. There’s not much else to say; the town has the food and amenities you’d expect in the 48 States, but not much more. No sleeping on the job, though – the locals take those Oysters/Nene games very seriously.