Assistant general manager is the Mat-Su Miners'

own ‘Mr. Fix-it'

Aug. 12, 2007

By Jeremiah Bartz/Frontiersman

PALMER - Pete Christopher knows his job as general manager of the Mat-Su Miners would be virtually impossible, if it wasn't for the help of volunteers.

Christopher said he has a small, but dedicated group that will lend a hand every chance they get. But there are none more loyal than Bob Plumley.

Two years ago, after former assistant general manager Kent Sheets left the state, Christopher asked Plumley - a longtime Miners fan and lifelong Palmer resident - to be his right hand man, the assistant general manager.

Both Plumley and Christopher will probably admit the title of assistant G.M. is more glamorous than the position actually is. But Christopher will quickly say, without Plumley, there would be a lot around Hermon Brothers Field that would not get done.

Plumley said he doesn't do any recruiting or hiring of coaches - he lets Christopher, the former Major League scout, do that.

And he prefers not to mow the grass of Hermon Brothers Field, he lets Christopher's son Keith do that.

&#8220If you saw his house, you'd know why. He's got a huge property, that takes him two days to mow,” Christopher joked. &#8220But he does everything else.”

If there's something wrong in the concession stand, Plumley will fix it.

If there's a wiring issue in the press box, Plumley will fix it.

Plumley even fashioned a home made roller to pull behind a tractor to smooth the dirt on the warning track.

The handyman found an old 33 gallon diesel tank, welded on some pieces of iron he snag from an old set of bleachers and rigged a way to pull it behind the tractor.

Plumley said it's not out of the ordinary to do something like that.

&#8220I'm always building something,” he said.

Christopher said Plumley is down working at the field nearly every day in April and May. During the season - in June and July - Plumley doesn't miss a game. Plus he and his wife Linda hit just about every game the Miners play at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage. In the fall, Plumley is down at the field at least two or three days a week until the snow flies.

And it's all volunteer.

&#8220It gets me out in the summertime,” Plumley said.

During the season, Plumley can be seen every game night driving the Mat-Su Miners golf cart, from the ticket booth to the bleachers. He'll make dozens of trips each night, helping baseball fans to their seats. Plumley joked he made seven dollars in tips this year, and three the year before.

But most of all, Plumley said he likes being around the team.

&#8220I enjoy working with the kids,” Plumley said.