For love of the Miners

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

For Love of the Game is a quaint Kevin Costner movie that lures baseball fans into watching a chick flick. The film, a Prince of Tides clone with a Field of Dreams disguise, is the story of Costner's love affair with baseball.

The Mat-Su Valley has its own tale of a man's love affair with baseball. It could be called For Love of the Miners, and star general manager Pete Christopher. All that know Pete personally, and even many that don't, know his love of baseball. His love of the game drives him to put the finest product on Herman Brothers Field. His love of the game drives him to give the Valley the finest baseball field possible. His love of the game keeps him at Herman Brothers Field as many as 18 hours a day in the summer. His love of the game probably ranks only second to the love for his family.

A few weeks ago Pete took a job with MTA, decided to stay on as the Miners GM and forfiet his annual salary with the organization back to the ball club. Pete is the father of two growing boys and probably would like to see a boost in salary. The Miners pay Pete a modest salary and his efforts are worth every penny -- if not much, much more. His plan was to add to the list of volunteers that prove so valuable to the Miner organization, and remain as the Miners' GM. This week Pete decided the new job just wasn't for him. Though he had worked in the telephone unions for many years before joining the Miners, the job just was not the right fit.

So Pete is back. Unfortunately the Miners probably could never pay a salary appropriate for the amount of work, but his love for the Miners and baseball drives him to give the Mat-Su Valley the best possible product on the diamond.

As Pete states his love for baseball, in the same breath he will attest none of the progress would be possible without the large list of volunteers. The core includes businesses with services, machinery and resources that are loaned to the Miners, to local baseball fans just wanting to lend a hand, to an entire troop of soldiers from Elmendorf Air Force Base. The list of volunteers is as impressive as extensive and the Miners are always in need of more help. From work on the field, to providing a summer home for a player -- the help of the volunteer is also integral to the Miners' success.

With Pete's love of the game, and the love of the game of the loyal list of volunteers, the Mat-Su Valley will continue to have one of the finest organizations in all of amateur baseball.