May 29, 2046
Long Beach, CA
The Long Beach Surfers quietly signed 30 year old pitcher Ari Lehman to a minor league contract yesterday. Normally a minor league free agent signing wouldn't be noteworthy, but in this case it is.
The 6'6'' righty from New York is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow and is not expected to pitch again until at least May of 2047. In combination with his diminished skill set, it is unlikely that Lehman ever pitches for the Surfers. In fact, he hasn't seen a BBA roster since 2042, so it's highly likely that his big league career is over.
In light of this, we reached out to the Surfers for comment:
An admirable decision by the front office. And the club can certainly use all the good PR that they can muster up, as they sit with a record of 21-35, 17 games behind the FLP leading Seattle Storm.Long Beach Surfers wrote:The Long Beach Surfers are pleased to confirm that they have signed Ari Lehman to a 1 year minor league contract with a $69,000 bonus. With this contract, Ari is eligible for all BBAPA health insurance benefits, and we have invited him to rehab with our staff at our spring training facilities on Catalina Island. As a former first round pick (2033, 26th Overall) the Surfers were disappointed to see that he was released by his former club to rehabilitate his injuries on his own. Here in Long Beach we pride ourselves on doing the right think for our players, staff, fans and community.