New Chico State relief pitcher Jae Wagner is probably not the most interesting man in the world. Otherwise he would star in a commercial. However, he is in the running for the title of most interesting man on campus. He's also our Wildcat of the Week.
Wagner was born in the United Kingdom, rocks a hairdo straight out of a 1980s heavy metal music video, and according to various sources, is considering a career in the world of professional wrestling following graduation.
Perhaps most interesting of all–at least to Chico State's baseball fans–the transfer from Solano Community College also possesses a pitching repertoire more devastating than a figure-four leg lock.
Wagner's teammates and Chico State's fans in San Diego this weekend got a chance to witness that repertoire firsthand. Wagner saved the Wildcats' first two wins of the season as they split a four-game season-opening series at Point Loma Nazarene University. Wagner did not allow a hit or walk and struck out two in two innings.
Wagner worked around a leadoff walk to close out Chico State's 7–5 win in Thursday's season opener. He struck out the next two batters and then got a game-ending ground ball. He needed just seven pitches to finish the Wildcats' 6–3 victory Friday.
Amazingly, Wagner did not allow an earned run during his sophomore season at Solano Community College. He last allowed an earned run on April 21, 2015. Wagner and the Wildcats will play at home for the first time this season Saturday and Sunday. They are hosting Simpson University for a four-game series at Nettleton Stadium.