Billy Wagner

Pitching the final inning of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees, Wagner struck out Jorge Posada and Bubba Trammell, then got Hideki Matsui to ground out to first base where Wagner, who was covering, pumped his fist as the final piece of instant baseball history was engraved at Yankee Stadium (June 11, 2003). In a ten-year career, Wagner has compiled a 34-30 record with 753 strikeouts, a 2.52 ERA, and 246 saves in 552.2 innings. This and many other miscues in the Phillies organization led to the dismissal of manager Larry Bowa after a preseason full of hopefuls and expectations dissolved from the ticket window by August. He was traded to Philadelphia before the 2004 season, only to have his campaign succumb to a strain in his throwing shoulder.

Then, he enjoyed his best season in 2003, when he reached career-highs in saves (44), innings pitched (86.0) and games (78), and got 105 strikeouts. In 2002, Wagner went 4-2 with a 2.52 ERA, 88 strikeouts, and 35 saves in 75 innings. In 62.2 innings, he struck out 79 hitters. He was one of the leading candidates for TSN Comeback Player of the Year in the National League.

Coming off elbow surgery, he posted a record of 2-5 with 39 saves in 41 chances, and an ERA of 2.73. He would rebound in 2001. He finished with 2-4 record, a 6.18 ERA, and six saves in 15 opportunities, striking out 28 and walking 18 in 27.2 innings. Wagner would continue to struggle before going on the disabled with a torn flexor tendon in his pitching arm and would miss the final three and a half months of the season.

While he was still hitting 100-MPH on the radar gun, he wasn't throwing his 85-90 MPH slider as much as he used to. But after recording a save on May 4 against the Cubs, he suffered back-to-back blown saves on May 12-13 versus the Reds. The 2000 season started off in typical fashion for Wagner, who saved three of the Astros' first four wins while retiring 16 of the first 20 batters he faced. Wagner posted a 4-1 record with an ERA of 1.57, and actually had more saves than hits allowed (in 74.2 innings, he allowed 35 hits).

He saved 39 games and struck out 124 in only 74 innings (15 SO/9), establishing a new major league record for strikeouts in at least 50 innings, including the side 15 times. Wagner had an outstanding 1999 season, in which he captured the Relief Man of the Year Award in the National League. After working three games, he was recalled on August 6 and remained healthy for the rest of the season. Wagner worked on balanced and coordination exercises before being cleared by doctors to go a rehab assignment in the minors.

The next day, he returned to Houston and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He was removed from the field on a stretcher after suffering a concussion and spent the night at a Phoenix hospital. Wagner was alert and conscious on the ground as his vital signs remained good. On July 15, while trying to hold on to a 8-7 lead against Arizona, he was struck on the left side of his head behind the ear by a line drive off the bat of Kelly Stinnett.

He converted 19 consecutive save opportunities between his first blown save against the Dodgers (April 12) and his second facing the Cardinals (July 11). In 1998, Wagner posted a 4-3 record with a 2.70 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 60 innings, and saved 30 games, which was the third best single season in club history. He struck out the side 13 times, and his 106 strikeouts also set a club record for relievers. He converted 23 of 29 save opportunities while striking out 106 hitters in only 66.1 innings, which established a major league record for SO/9 at 14.4, breaking the old mark of 14.1 set by former Reds closer Rob Dibble in 1992 (110 SO in 70.1 innings).

In 1997 Wagner played his first full season in the majors. Opponents hit only .165 against him. He finished the year with nine saves in 13 opportunities, allowed only 28 hits and struck out 67 hitters in 51.2 innings (11.7 SO/9). His contract was purchased by the Astros on June 2, and Wagner was immediately converted to a reliever.

He posted a 6-2 record with a 3.28 ERA in twelve starts for Triple-A Tucson. Wagner began 1996 in the minors as a starter and finished it by becoming a major league closer. It was his only appearance in this season. He made his major league debut on September 12, 1995, retiring the only batter he faced in a 10-5 defeat against the Mets.

Wagner was taken in the first round of the June 1993 MLB draft by the Houston Astros and was used exclusively as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. Wagner was inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall Of Fame in Salem, Virginia, in February of 2003. Wagner attended Ferrum College and went 17-3 there, while setting single season NCAA records for strikeouts per nine innings (19.1 in 1992) and fewest hits per nine innings allowed (1.58 in 1992), and holds the Division III mark for career strikeouts (327 in 182.1 innings pitched). As a youth, he was a natural right-handed pitcher, but after breaking his throwing arm twice, he taught himself how to use his left arm by throwing nothing but fastballs against a barn wall.

Wagner is a highly regarded closer in the fact that he routinely throws triple digit fastballs which is rather unusual for his 5'11", 195 lb frame. He bats and throws left-handed. Previously, Wagner played with the Houston Astros (1995-2003). William Edward (Billy) Wagner (born July 25, 1971 in Tannersville, Virginia) is an American Major League Baseball closer for the Philadelphia Phillies (2004-present).

Led league in games finished (2003). Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award (1999). 4-time All-Star (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005).