History of Billy Wagner in Timeline

Billy Wagner, a former MLB pitcher, played from 1995 to 2010 for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves. Known for his left-handed pitching, he stands at 5'10" and weighs 180 lbs. Wagner is recognized as one of eight relief pitchers with over 400 career saves.

July 25, 1971: Birth of Billy Wagner

Billy Wagner was born on July 25, 1971, in Marion, Virginia.

1976: Parents' Divorce

Billy Wagner's parents divorced in 1976 when he was five years old.

1992: NCAA Records

In 1992, Billy Wagner set single-season NCAA records for strikeouts per nine innings and fewest hits allowed per nine innings.

1992: Previous Strikeout Record

In 1992, Rob Dibble held the previous record for strikeouts per nine innings that Wagner surpassed in 1997

June 1993: MLB Draft

Billy Wagner was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Houston Astros in June 1993.

1994: Minor League Strikeout Leader

Billy Wagner led all North American minor league pitchers in strikeouts in 1994.

September 12, 1995: First Major League Appearance

Billy Wagner made his first Major League appearance with the Astros on September 12, 1995.

1995: Major League Debut

Billy Wagner made his Major League debut with the Houston Astros in 1995.

June 2, 1996: Move to Relief Pitcher

Billy Wagner's contract was purchased by the Astros, and he was assigned exclusively as a relief pitcher on June 2, 1996.

1997: First Full MLB Season and Strikeout Record

In 1997, Billy Wagner played his first full season in the Major Leagues and set a record for strikeouts per nine innings.

July 15, 1998: Injury from Batted Ball

On July 15, 1998, Billy Wagner was struck by a batted ball, resulting in a concussion and time on the disabled list.

1998: 30 Saves and Consecutive Save Streak

In 1998, Billy Wagner achieved 30 saves, the third-best single-season in Astros history, and had a streak of 19 consecutive converted save chances.

1999: Relief Man of the Year

Billy Wagner won the National League Relief Man of the Year Award in 1999.

1999: Rolaids Relief Man Award

Billy Wagner won the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1999.

2000: Struggles and Injury

In 2000, Billy Wagner struggled with blown saves and a torn flexor tendon, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season.

2001: Comeback Season

Billy Wagner rebounded from injury in 2001, posting a 2-5 record with 39 saves and a 2.73 ERA.

2002: Strong Season

In 2002, Billy Wagner had a 4-2 record, a 2.52 ERA, 88 strikeouts, and 35 saves.

June 11, 2003: No-Hitter Save

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

2003: Career-High Season

Billy Wagner reached career highs in saves (44), innings pitched (86), and games (78) in 2003.

2004: Trade to Philadelphia and Hand Injury

In 2004, Billy Wagner was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, but his season was unfortunately cut short due to a hand strain.

September 2005: Criticism of Phillies and Teammates Confrontation

In September 2005, Wagner publicly criticized his Phillies teammates' performance, leading to a confrontation with them. This incident contributed to his departure from Philadelphia during the subsequent offseason.

2005: Best ERA and Free Agency

Billy Wagner achieved a career-best ERA in 2005 and also led the league in games finished. Following the season, he became a free agent and signed a lucrative four-year contract with the New York Mets.

May 7, 2006: Confrontation with Former Teammates

On May 7, 2006, Wagner revealed a confrontation with his former Phillies teammates that occurred in September 2005. The confrontation stemmed from Wagner's public criticism of the Phillies' performance.

2006: 300th Save and Mets Division Championship

In 2006, Wagner achieved his 300th career save and contributed to the Mets' first division championship in 18 years. However, he struggled in the postseason with a high ERA.

2007: All-Star Season and Monthly Award

In 2007, Wagner had a strong first half, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team. His exceptional performance in July, including eight saves and a 0.00 ERA, also won him the D.H.L. "Delivery Man of the Month" Award.

May 15, 2008: Tirade Against Teammates

On May 15, 2008, Wagner launched a profanity-laced tirade against his Mets teammates and coaches after a loss. Despite this incident, his pitching performance remained strong, earning him another All-Star selection.

September 2008: Elbow Injury and Tommy John Surgery

Wagner's 2008 season ended with a torn ulnar collateral ligament and flexor pronator tendon in his left elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery and sidelining him for a year.

August 21, 2009: Red Sox Claim Wagner

On August 21, 2009, the Boston Red Sox claimed Wagner off waivers from the Mets. He initially considered invoking his no-trade clause but eventually agreed to the trade.

December 2, 2009: Signing with Atlanta Braves and Retirement Announcement

On December 2, 2009, Wagner signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. On April 30, 2010, he announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

2009: Vow to Return and World Series Aspirations

After his elbow injury, Wagner declared his intention to return to baseball in 2009, driven by his desire to win a World Series and reach 420 career saves. He also stated his intention to leave the Mets after 2009.

2009: Intention to Leave Mets

In 2009, Wagner announced that he would not play for the Mets after the season due to the financial implications of his contract for the team.

2009: Guaranteed Contract and Mets Option

In 2009, Wagner received a guaranteed $10.5 million from the Mets while recovering from surgery. His contract included an $8 million option for 2010 or a $1 million buyout.

2009: Return to Pitching and Trade to Red Sox

Wagner returned to the mound for the Mets in late 2009 before being traded to the Boston Red Sox on August 25. He made his first appearance for the Mets on August 20, after recovering from his elbow injury.

April 30, 2010: Retirement Announcement

Wagner announced on April 30, 2010, that he would retire from professional baseball at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.

October 3, 2010: Final Regular Season Game and Injury in Playoffs

On October 3, 2010, Wagner played his final regular season game, striking out the last four batters he faced. However, he suffered an injury in the playoffs, which ended his career prematurely. He had a career-best 1.43 ERA that season.

2010: Retirement and Move to Virginia

After the 2010 season, Billy Wagner retired from professional baseball and moved to Crozet, Virginia.

2010: Retirement from MLB

Billy Wagner retired from Major League Baseball after the conclusion of the 2010 season.

2010: Red Sox Contract Situation and Draft Pick

In 2010, after declining arbitration from the Red Sox, the team that signed him (Atlanta Braves) gave up a first-round draft pick to Boston.

2010: Contract Option Decision

In 2010, the Mets had to decide whether to exercise Wagner's $8 million contract option or pay him a $1 million buyout.

February 12, 2011: Reaffirmation of Retirement

On February 12, 2011, Wagner publicly reaffirmed his decision to retire from baseball, expressing contentment with his choice.

March 30, 2011: Official Release from Braves and Coaching Career

On March 30, 2011, the Braves officially released Wagner. He then began his coaching career at The Miller School of Albemarle in Virginia.

2011: Vesting Option with Braves

Wagner's contract with the Braves included a vesting option for the 2011 season.

2012: Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Billy Wagner was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

April 6, 2013: Coaching against Alma Mater

On April 6, 2013, Wagner coached against his high school alma mater and former coach.

2016: Hall of Fame Debut

In 2016, Billy Wagner first appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot, receiving 10.5% of the vote.

2017: Coaching Championship

In 2017, Wagner coached The Miller School to a state championship in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II.

2018: Coaching Championship

In 2018, Wagner coached The Miller School to another state championship victory.

2019: Hall of Fame Induction

Billy Wagner was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. He holds several impressive MLB records, including the highest strikeout rate and the lowest opponent batting average for pitchers with at least 800 innings.