Grissom returns to Valley baseball scene with Miners

PALMER — When Josh Grissom accepted an opportunity to suit up for the Mat-Su Miners this summer, his lone expectation was taking advantage of the opportunity to learn.

Thursday, Grissom had the opportunity to use some of that new knowledge. Grissom, a 2012 graduate of Wasilla High School, appeared in his first official Alaska Baseball League game as a member of the Miners. Grissom — a local standout who played for Houston High, Wasilla High and the Wasilla-based Alaska Road Warriors American Legion baseball program — pitched the ninth inning for the Miners during a 14-4 loss to the Alaska Goldpanners. Grissom, who aspired to spend his summer surrounded by the Miners’ Division I talent, faced four Division I batters in the inning. Grissom hit the second batter he faced in the inning with a pitch, but retired the other three hitters he faced in the inning.

“It’s amazing. I’m just glad to be able to continue my baseball career here in the Valley where I spent my high school years,” Grissom said earlier this summer.

Grissom, who recently completed his freshman season at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., was asked by Mat-Su Miners general manager Pete Christopher to be the team’s bullpen catcher for the 2013 summer season.

“Back in February, Pete gave me a call and asked if I was interested in catching a little bit for the Miners,” Grissom said. “I was on board.”

It is not unusual for the Miners to invite local players to be a member of the team. Local players do not count against the league’s mandate for maximum roster positions, and the Miners often use the opportunity to help local players realize their own baseball goals.

Like many of the others before him, Grissom was given no guarantee of playing time. But Grissom said he is most interested in learning from the Miners coaches and players.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” Grissom said. “Not only just to play with the best in the nation, but to learn from some of the coaches who have the experience they do and the knowledge of the game. I’m just thrilled to be here and be able to learn and better myself for my college career.”

Grissom spent his high school and legion careers as sort of a jack of all trades, seeing time at catcher, pitcher, first and third base regularly.

As a Dakota State freshman, Grissom stepped to the plate for only six at-bats, but he did see 10 innings of work on the mound.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to see a lot of time as a freshman,” Grissom said. “To come out and get consistent innings was truly a blessing.”

Grissom fanned four and walked two in the 10 innings of work. Grissom said he’s had the chance to work on his pitching with the Mat-Su coaches, and he’s also excited about learning more about the game from behind the plate.

“The catcher’s like a quarterback of a team. They’re always directing the action,” Grissom said. “The more you know about the game, the more you’re able to help out the team.”

Grissom also appeared in a nonleague game against the American Legion All-Stars on July 26. At the plate, Grissom finished 1-for-1, with a double, walk, two RBI and a run scored. He also pitched a perfect inning for the Miners.

But as the Miners head into the final half of the season, Grissom will continue to embrace the opportunity to keep learning, regardless of playing time.

“This is an amazing opportunity. I am blessed, so thankful to Pete Christopher and the whole Miners organization for letting me play,” Grissom said.