Local pitcher performs with the Miners

PALMER — In the exhibition matchup between the Mat-Su Miners and a group of All-Stars from the Post 15 and Post 35 American Legion teams on Wednesday, local talent was on display coming from both dugouts. Coming out of the bullpen for the Miners to pitch the third and fourth innings was 6’4” Austin Robertson, a 2018 Career Tech High School grad who was a featured arm for the Wasilla Warriors and Post 35 Road Warriors during his high school career.

“Overall I’m just trying to use the experience of being around all the better players and come out better myself,” said Robertson.

Robertson has matured as a baseball player since leaving the Valley. The tall right-hander spent a year pitching for Dawson Community College in Montana, appearing in four games and striking out 10 batters in 11 innings pitched. Robertson is now a junior at Northern State University in South Dakota. Robertson picked up to play with the Mat-Su Miners this summer. As a locally born player, he does not count against the finite number of roster spots available to Alaska Baseball League teams, but still earns an opportunity to compete at the highest level of baseball in the state.

“My nerves definitely got to me my first outing realizing that I was playing on the Miners when you hear it over the intercom, but overall it’s been a really good experience being around guys playing at elite D1 schools and being able to be with the better coaching and I’m just trying to make the most of my situation here,” said Robertson.

Robertson has changed his look since he last competed on Valley ballfields, sporting a shoulder-length mane of long curly black hair that flails about as he moves through his violent delivery. Robertson has also changed his delivery, moving from a delivery straight over the top of his shoulders to a sidearm throw.

“It’s just trying to compete at the highest level here and the deception is what I think can potentially find me some more innings, so that’s what we’re going with now,” said Robertson. “Overall I’m trying to add velocity and I know my role on this team doesn’t include a whole lot of innings, but I’ve got to make sure that I’m ready to go in if they need me.”

Robertson had pitched in one previous game for the Miners prior to throwing two innings against the Legion All-Stars. On June 12, Robertson threw one inning in a 5-2 loss to the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. On Wednesday, Robertson struck out two batters in his two innings and allowed two unearned runs.

The opportunity for local players to prolong and enrich their baseball careers during the summer with the Miners is nothing new. General Manager Pete Christopher often provides opportunities for local ballplayers on college teams to get valuable time in the green and gold uniforms and play in front of their hometown fans.

“We’re in it for the long haul so we want to promote youth baseball in the Valley and we’ll keep doing what we’re doing,” said Christopher.