Billy Wagner

Guide Note

Billy Wagner is an All-Star Closer for the New York Mets. He is widely regarded as one of the best closers in the game. He is noted for being a power pitcher who can consistantly throw at or close to 100 mph. He is also unique in that he is a left handed closer, which would seem to be a disadvantage, since most hitters are right handed. But Wagner has defied the statistics to earn the 1999 Relief Man of the Year award and earn several all-star appearances.

Fast Facts

1. Born: July 25, 1971
2. Birthplace: Tannersville, Virginia
3. Birth Name: William Edward Wagner
4. Height: 5'10"
5. Weight: 180 lbs
6. Bats: Left
7. Throws: Left
8. MLB Draft: 1993, Houston
9. All-Star Appearances: 4
10. 2006 ERA: 2.24
11. 2006 saves: 40
12. 2007 All-Star Selection

William Edward Wagner was born in Tannersville, Virginia on July 25, 1971. He would attend Tazewell High School where he would develop into a notable high school prospect. He would attend Ferrum College in Virginia where he establish himself as an elite starting pitcher and major league baseball caliber player.

Wagner was selected with the 12th pick in the 1993 draft by the Houston Astros. Although Wagner thrived as a starter he would be converted to a reliever to take advantage of his excellent fastball. He would make his major league debut on September 13, 1995. In 1996, he would become the team's closer at the end the season. He would spend the next several seasons developing into an elite relief pitcher and in 1999 he would earn the Relief Man of the Year Award in the National League.He would earn three All-Star appearances during his stay with the Astros in 1999, 2001, and 2003. In 2004, Wagner would be traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Brandon Duckworth, Taylor Buchholz and Ezequiel Astacio. He would become a free agent in 2005, and he would sign with the New York Mets for 43 million dollars for 4-years. He has since been elected twice to the all-star team in 2005 and in 2007.

• July 25, 1971: Born
• 1995: Debuts with Houston Astros
• 1999: Relief Man of the Year Award
• 2004: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
• 2006: Signs with New York Mets
• 2007: All-Star Selection