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  2. Induction2025
    Vote82.5% (tenth ballot)
    How Billy Wagner Outpitched His Peers
    How Billy Wagner Outpitched His Peers
    He was nicknamed 'Billy the Kid', but he threw like a man. Billy Wagner was one of the most dominant closers in MLB history, but he's still waiting for his call to Cooperstown.
    Early life

    Wagner was born to 16-year-old Yvonne and 18-year-old William “Hotrod” Wagner in Marion, Virginia on July 25, 1971. Wagner's parents divorced in 1976 when he was five years old. Wagner and his younger sister, Chasity, sp… See more

    Career

    Wagner graduated from Tazewell High School in Tazewell, Virginia, compiling a .451 batting average, 23 stolen bases, 29 runs batted in, 116 strikeouts in 46 innings, a 7-1 pitching record, and a 1.52 ERA in his senior seas… See more

    Post-playing career

    Wagner retired to Crozet, Virginia, following the 2010 season.
    On February 12, 2011, Wagner reiterated his intention to retire, stating, "I'm totally content with not playing baseball," Wagner said. "I lov… See more

    Accomplishments and honors

    Of all pitchers with at least 800 innings pitched, Wagner's 11.9 K/9 and 33.2% strikeout rate total batters faced are both the highest in major league history. Opposing batters hit for only a .187 average ag… See more

     
  1. Billy Wagner Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More ...

  2. Billy Wagner elected to Baseball Hall of Fame - MLB.com

  3. Interesting reads - Billy Wagner

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  4. Former Houston Astros closer Billy Wagner makes Baseball Hall of …

  5. Former Phillies closer Billy Wagner elected to Hall of Fame ... - MSN

  6. Billy Wagner's top moments - MLB.com

    Jan 21, 2025 · Billy Wagner, the hard-throwing lefty who saved a club-record 225 games for the Astros and amassed 422 for his career while playing for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves, retired with the second-most saves in …

  7. Billy Wagner's Hall of Fame case - MLB.com

    Dec 27, 2024 · Billy Wagner is a dominant closer who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He has the saves, the strikeouts, the ERA and the rate stats of a Hall of Famer, and he's in his final year on the ballot.

  8. It’s closing time for Billy Wagner’s Hall of Fame case — and he’s ...

  9. Billy Wagner: Hall of Fame calling for one of MLB's …

    Jan 19, 2024 · Billy Wagner, a flame-throwing left-hander and one of baseball's elite closers during his era, now awaits his turn to join the exclusive club. Despite his 5-foot-10 frame,...

  10. Wagner, Billy | Baseball Hall of Fame