Anchorage Daily News

Jacob Begich was mesmerized by his scuffed Alaska Baseball League ball on a warm Friday evening, flipping it around his box seat at Mulcahy Stadium and asking folks to sign it.

But his dad said to keep the ball unmarked. Likely, he'll remember how he got it forever.

Jacob, who turns 5 at the end of the month and is the son of Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, had the honor of tossing the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the Mayor's Cup -- a three-game series between Anchorage's two ABL clubs: the Bucs and Glacier Pilots.

"I knew he'd do a better job than me," Mayor Begich said.

So with all his might, Jacob chucked the cowhide toward Glacier Pilots catcher Cody Neer, who proceeded to give the ball to his pitcher as a lifetime souvenir.

Though Jacob was scheduled to go backyard camping with his little buddies in Peters Creek, he wanted to stay and watch the Bucs and Pilots battle for bragging rights -- even if he's too young to understand the city rivalry that dates back to the 1980s.

"I wanna stay and have a hot dog," Jacob told his dad.

Begich was thankful of his son's enthusiasm. The 4-year-old was accidentally bopped in the head during warm-ups at home before leaving for Mulcahy.

Playing catch, Begich lofted an underhand pitch to Jacob. He looked down at his mitt, but the ball bounced out and ricocheted off his forehead.

"It was his first time throwing," Begich said. "Luckily I threw it underhand. He survived and was ready to play."

Mayor Begich always gets invited to this annual series. But with his busy schedule, it's hard making it to games.

"I mostly just turn (the game) on the radio," he said.

But the baseball gods seemingly aligned his schedule for Friday's game, where he was able to enjoy what he loves most about baseball: stadium food.

"We had to have the experience of hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn," he said. "Where else can your kid throw peanut shells on the ground and have it be OK?"

Begich grew up in Anchorage but wouldn't say which Anchorage team he roots for. But for the record, he sat on the Glacier Pilots side.

Only able to stay for four innings, Begich missed Glacier Pilots starter David Vicini finish off a gem, tossing a shutout to blank the Bucs 8-0 before an estimated 550 fans.

Mayor's Cup action continues tonight at 7. The third game of the series is at the same time Sunday.

AIA 6, Miners 2

Joel Staples crushed a two-run home run in the fifth inning to spur the ABL-leading Athletes in Action over second-place Mat-Su on Friday at Growden Memorial Park.

The Fire, who are enjoying their best season since 2003, pulled themselves two games ahead of the Miners with 10 games left in the season.

Friday evening was the final meeting between the league's two best teams.

Find Kevin Klott online at adn.com/contact/kklott or call 257-4335.