Billy Wagner’s Decade-Long Hall of Fame Wait Hits Final Stretch

This month BBWAA voting members may send Wagner, an elite relief pitcher with a 16-season MLB career, to Cooperstown.
Billy Wagner’s Decade-Long Hall of Fame Wait Hits Final Stretch
Closer Billy Wagner (13) of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga., on June 25, 2010. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
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Former MLB relief pitcher Billy Wagner is a patient man—to an extent. 2025 promises to be a big year for Wagner, who is 8th on the all-time MLB saves list. Four hundred twenty-two times, the Tannersville, Virginia native finished the job for the five clubs he played for and recorded a save. His last mound visit came during the 2010 season with the Atlanta Braves.

On Jan. 21, Wagner will learn if he is elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Time has all but run out for him to get the call for MLB’s highest honor from the writers.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.