Career Timeline of Billy Wagner: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 17, 2025

How Billy Wagner built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Billy Wagner, nicknamed "Billy the Kid," is a retired MLB pitcher who played 16 seasons (1995-2010) for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves. A seven-time All-Star and 1999 NL Rolaids Relief Man Award winner, he is one of eight relievers with over 400 career saves. Wagner batted and threw left-handed, standing at 5'10" and weighing 180 pounds. His notable career solidifies him as one of baseball's premier relief pitchers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Brewster Whitecaps

In 1992, Billy Wagner played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).

1992: NCAA Records

In 1992, Billy Wagner set single-season NCAA records for strikeouts per nine innings, with 19+1⁄3 , and the fewest hits allowed per nine innings, with 1.88.

1992: Dibble Strikeout Record

In 1997, Billy Wagner broke Rob Dibble's strikeout record from 1992.

June 1993: Drafted by Houston Astros

In June 1993, Billy Wagner was selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Houston Astros.

1994: Strikeout Leader

In 1994, Billy Wagner led all North American minor league pitchers in strikeouts, with 204.

September 12, 1995: First Major League Appearance

On September 12, 1995, Billy Wagner made his first Major League appearance with the Houston Astros, pitching against one batter late in a game against the New York Mets.

1995: MLB Debut

In 1995, Billy Wagner began his 16-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

June 2, 1996: Astros Contract Purchased

On June 2, 1996, the Houston Astros purchased Billy Wagner's baseball contract, and he was assigned exclusively as a short-relief pitcher.

1997: First Full Season in Major Leagues

In 1997, Billy Wagner played his first full season in the major leagues, accumulating 23 saves and setting a major league record of 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

1998: 19 Consecutive Saves

In 1998, Billy Wagner had 19 consecutive saves and a 2.70 ERA.

1999: Relief Man of the Year Award

In 1999, Billy Wagner captured the Relief Man of the Year Award in the National League.

1999: Rolaids Relief Man Award

In 1999, Billy Wagner won the National League (NL) Rolaids Relief Man Award.

2000: Struggles and Injury

In 2000, Billy Wagner struggled with performance and went on the disabled list due to a torn flexor tendon, missing the last three and a half months of the season.

2001: Rebound Season

In 2001, coming off elbow surgery, Billy Wagner rebounded with a record of 2–5, 39 saves, and an ERA of 2.73.

2002: Solid Performance

In 2002, Billy Wagner had a solid performance with a 4–2 record, a 2.52 ERA, 88 strikeouts, and 35 saves.

June 11, 2003: Closing Out a No-Hitter

On June 11, 2003, Billy Wagner closed out a no-hitter thrown by a record six pitchers against the New York Yankees.

November 3, 2003: Traded to Phillies

On November 3, 2003, the Astros traded Billy Wagner to the Philadelphia Phillies.

2003: Career-High Season

In 2003, Billy Wagner enjoyed his best season, reaching career-highs in saves (44), innings pitched (86) and games (78), and got 105 strikeouts.

2004: Shortened Season Due to Injury

Billy Wagner's 2004 season was shortened by strains to his groin and rotator cuff.

November 29, 2005: Signed with the New York Mets

On November 29, 2005, Billy Wagner signed a four-year, $43 million contract and a one-year club option with the New York Mets.

2005: Best ERA of Career

In 2005, Billy Wagner had the best ERA of his career and led the league in games finished.

2006: 40 Saves and Division Championship

In 2006, Billy Wagner finished with 40 saves and a 2.24 ERA, contributing to the Mets' first division championship in 18 years.

2007: All-Star Selection and Delivery Man of the Month Award

In 2007, Billy Wagner had a good first half of the season, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star Team and the Delivery Man of the Month Award for July.

August 21, 2009: Claimed by Red Sox

On August 21, 2009, Billy Wagner was reportly claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox from the Mets.

December 2, 2009: Wagner Agrees to Contract with Braves

On December 2, 2009, Billy Wagner and the Atlanta Braves finalized a one-year, $7 million contract. The deal included a vesting option of $6.5 million for the 2011 season.

2009: Paid by the Mets

Billy Wagner was paid $10.5 million by the Mets in 2009 despite being out of play due to injury.

2009: Remained on Mets Roster

Despite his comments, Billy Wagner remained on the Mets' 40-man roster on the disabled list at the beginning of the season in 2009.

2009: Vows to Return to MLB

Following the announcement of his major elbow injury, Billy Wagner vowed in 2009 that he would return to playing in MLB, amending his previous statement about not pitching anymore after 2009.

2010: Mets Option

For 2010, the Mets had an $8 million option with a $1 million buyout for Billy Wagner.

2010: End of MLB Career

In 2010, Billy Wagner concluded his 16-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2010: Arbitration Declined

In 2010, Billy Wagner declined arbitration from the Red Sox, so the Red Sox received a first-round draft pick from the team that signed him (Atlanta Braves) and a sandwich pick in the 2010 rookie draft.

2010: Last Game as a Met

In 2010, Billy Wagner stated that he had "played his last [baseball] game as a Met".

March 30, 2011: Braves Release Wagner

On March 30, 2011, the Atlanta Braves officially released Billy Wagner, confirming his departure from the team after his decision to retire.

April 6, 2013: Wagner Coaches Against Alma Mater

On April 6, 2013, Billy Wagner, as the baseball coach for The Miller School of Albemarle in Virginia, coached against his former high school and his high school coach.