It went unnoticed earlier in the season, but in June of this season, the Portland Lumberjacks front office and future hall of fame pitcher Alaric Wullenweber came to terms on a 3-year contract extension that could keep the pitcher in Portland through the 2063 season. The final year of the deal is a team option and each year is worth $13.0 million. The deal may shock some, but to others it comes as no surprise.
"I have plenty left in the tank" said Wullenweber after the deal was finalized. "I don't see myself calling it quits until my arm finally lets me down" concluded the Nebraska winner who is currently 12-9 with a 3.39 ERA. His 3.6 WAR ranks in the top 10 in the Frick League.
The shock that many have with the deal is the willingness of Portland to sign Wullenweber, who turned 40 back in May of this year, to a 3 year deal that will take him to the age of 43 if the team option is met. "I don't know about this" said one fan. "Name me a pitcher who has pitched well in their 40s in the history of the game? I think this franchise just flushed a good chunk of money down the toilet."
"Name me another pitcher who won a Nebraska at the age of 39 and is still doing what he's doing at the age of 40" retorted another fan who was in favor of keeping Alaric in Portland. "If he finds a little luck in September, he could possibly nab another Nebraska. Wullenweber is no normal human being. Keep this man around until he shows he just can't do it anymore."
The good news for fans in Portland is they'll get to have close up views of the potential historic feat upcoming for Wullenweber. His win earlier this month notched his 287th career victory, tying him for 3rd all time in wins with John Ross Riles, Jr. He's 4 wins away from tying the legendary Robbie Sargent for 2nd most. It's possible, that by this time next season, Alaric will join a list of just two BBC pitchers to reach the 300 win mountain top.
"At this point, it's Steve Nebraska and Alaric Wullenweber anyway" added Sandy Mounds. "When you're talking about all-time great pitchers, the list starts with those two then you can begin debating who is next. We're glad and excited to say we got to see Alaric pitch here and will get to witness up-close his pursuit of 300 wins."