Miners set to host annual clinic, golf tournament

PALMER — The Mat-Su Miners are hosting a pair of annual events this week.

The Miners youth baseball clinic starts on Tuesday and continues through Friday. The four-day clinic, which runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, gives young players the chance to learn fundamental skills from the Mat-Su players and coaches. There is a cost of $70. If more than one child from the same family participates, the cost of the second child is only $60. Children in families currently hosting a Mat-Su player can attend the clinic for free.

On Saturday, the Miners will host their fourth annual golf tournament at Palmer Golf Course. The event begins with a barbecue at Hermon Brothers Field at noon, and the tourney’s shotgun start is slated for 2 p.m.

Those interested in playing can register at noon at the barbecue.

Those interested in the clinic can register online at www.matsuminers.org or e-mail generalmanager@matsuminers.org.

For more information on either event, call 745-6401.

Former Miners sign

pro contracts

A handful of former Mat-Su Miners who were recently selected in the Major League Baseball draft have signed with professional teams.

Former Mat-Su pitchers Charlie Ruiz and Matt Montgomery, who were both selected in the 10th round, have singed with Colorado and Florida respectively.

Center fielder Carl Uhl, who was sleeted by Philadelphia in the 18th, signed with the Phillies and has reported to the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Another outfielder, Joey August, selected in the 20th round by the New York Mets, has signed and is now with the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Pitcher Jason Erickson, who pitched his second summer in the Valley last year, was selected in the 24th round by Pittsburgh and is now with the State College Spikes.

Arkansas eliminated, two more players headed to Miners

The Mat-Su Miners should finally have a full roster in the coming week.

The Miners have been waiting on catcher James McCann and pitcher Sam Murphy, who have been playing with Arkansas in the NCAA College World Series. McCann, Murphy and the Razorbacks were eliminated by Louisiana State with a 14-5 loss on Friday. McCann had one hit and Murphy pitched 1 2/3 innings in the loss.

LSU, which advanced to the World Series final, features former Mat-Su shortstop Derek Helenihi.

— Jeremiah Bartz