Billy Wagner's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Billy Wagner. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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: 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.

1994: Strikeout Leader

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2003: Inducted into Ferrum College Hall of Fame

In 2003, Billy Wagner was inducted into the Ferrum College Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

2012: Wagner Inducted into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

In 2012, Billy Wagner was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements and contributions to sports in Virginia.

2016: Wagner Appears on Hall of Fame Ballot

In 2016, Billy Wagner appeared on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, receiving 10.5% of the vote. This was above the 5% minimum required to remain on the ballot, but well short of the 75% needed for election.

2019: Wagner Inducted into National College Baseball Hall of Fame

In 2019, Billy Wagner was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, honoring his successful college baseball career.

2021: Wagner's Hall of Fame Ballot Support Increases

In 2021, Billy Wagner's support on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot increased to 46.4%, showing significant progress towards potential election.

2022: CCBL Hall of Fame

In 2022, Billy Wagner became a member of the CCBL Hall of Fame class.

2022: Wagner's Hall of Fame Ballot Support Continues to Climb

In 2022, Billy Wagner received 51.0% of the vote on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, continuing his climb toward the required 75% for election.

2023: Wagner's Hall of Fame Ballot Support Nears Election

In 2023, Billy Wagner's support on the Hall of Fame ballot reached 68.1%, bringing him closer to the 75% threshold required for election.

2024: Wagner Falls Just Short of Hall of Fame Election

In 2024, Billy Wagner received 73.8% of the vote on the Hall of Fame ballot, just five votes shy of the 75% needed for election.

February 2025: Astros to Retire Wagner's Number

In February 2025, the Houston Astros announced that they would retire Billy Wagner's number 13. The number had been worn by several players after Wagner was traded in 2003.