Once a Miner, always a Miner

Seven years ago Mat-Su catcher Brian Weller made his Miner debut.

One evening while sitting in the stands of Hermon Brothers Field, the 13-year-old Wellar figured out that the Miners were in need of a bat boy. He gladly volunteered to take the position and put on the Miner green and gold for the first time.

"My family have been loyal fans for quite some time," Weller said. "We went to a game and they needed a bat boy."

Without even an idea that he would return years later to be a player on the squad, Weller handled the duties of running the bats back to the dugout and making sure the umpire had plenty of baseballs.

Weller manned the position for two years. During his time as the bat boy, Weller was able to share the same dugout with few professional players such as Brandon Duckworth who now pitches for the Philadelphia Phillies.

"It's something that sticks with you," Weller said.

After Weller's run as the Miner bat boy, the Palmer native starred for the Palmer High baseball squad.

Weller was a standout for the Moose, serving as the team's starting varsity catcher for three seasons.

For the last three summers, Weller has had a spot on the Miner roster.

Weller's time in the dugout as both the Miner bat boy and backup catcher has been quite the learning experience for the local prospect.

For the last three seasons Weller has been on the Mat-Su roster and has the opportunity to hone his skills and learn the game of baseball.

"You learn so much," Weller said. "Coming from a small town this gives me a huge edge over anyone else I am competing with."

Weller will use the knowledge and experience he has gained while playing in the Alaska Baseball League as he fights for the starting position on the Bemidji State University baseball squad.

After redshirting with Minnesotta university last year, Weller said that he is in line for the starting job.

And next summer, Weller will most likely be back at Hermon Brothers Field wearing the green and gold.