Local Wasilla product succeeding with Miners

PALMER — The last time Valley baseball fans got a chance to see Wasilla High standout James Arend on a baseball diamond, he was behind the plate. Now, Arend works from the mound as a pitcher for the Mat-Su Miners for the 2021 season. As a local product, Arend does not count against the roster spots for the Alaska Baseball League, but has also contributed valuable innings to the Miners.

“I wouldn’t want to play summer ball anywhere else. Lived here growing up watching these guys play, it’s great to have an opportunity to be on this squad and just be with the guys and go and compete. That’s all I want to do as a baseball player is compete,” said Arend.

Arend played at Dawson Community College in Montana before transferring to Corban University in Oregon, where he appeared in one game this season. Arend has gotten more action throwing for the Miners, where he’s appeared on the mound in four league games, two each against the Peninsula Oilers and the Chugiak Chinooks. Last Wednesday night, Arend got a chance to throw against his former coach Ken Ottinger as the Miners played an exhibition game against a group of All-Stars from the Post 15 and Post 35 American Legion teams. Arend worked in relief, throwing two innings and striking out four batters while only allowing one run.

“It was fun. I think that was the purpose of tonight was to go out there, play baseball, have some fun. It was a good opportunity for those guys just to see the next level and what that looks like and for me it was a good bullpen day to get out there throwing,” said Arend. “I was working on my two-seam.”

Arend’s fastball not only reaches speeds approaching 90 miles per hour, but also runs inside to right-handed hitters. The curveball Arend displayed kept hitters off balance, breaking sharply down and away from hitters. Arend has also added a changeup to his pitch arsenal. In the four games he has thrown for the Miners, Arend has struck out 11 batters in 11.2 innings pitched and has a record of one win and one loss. The Miners are currently 19-8 and sitting in first place in the ABL.

“coming back from kenai we bonded well as a team and I think we’re going to do well the rest of the season,” said Arend. “I think we’re going to take the ABL, man. I think it’s going to happen. We’ve got the guys to do it so just got to go out there, you’ve got to play the game and play it well but I think this squad absolutely has the ABL.”