Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Edward "Billy" Wagner is a former American professional baseball pitcher.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 25, 1971, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Still active and alive as of my knowledge cutoff.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American professional baseball player (former) / Pitcher
Early Life and Background
Billy Wagner was born to William and Sue Wagner in Tullahoma, Tennessee. His family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in Oklahoma. Wagner's athletic ability became apparent early on, with a strong focus on baseball. He played both basketball and football but found his true passion on the diamond.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his 16-year MLB career (1995-2010), Wagner accumulated numerous accolades:
7-time All-Star: Selected to represent the National League in the Midsummer Classic.
6th all-time in saves among pitchers with at least 300 saves: A testament to his dominance as a closer.
5-time MLB Reliever of the Year Award winner: Highlighting his consistent excellence as a middle reliever and closer.Notable Works or Actions
Wagner's impressive career was marked by several notable achievements:
Record-breaking strikeout rate: Wagner held the record for most strikeouts per nine innings pitched among pitchers with at least 300 saves.
Noted for his blazing fastball and effectiveness against left-handed batters.Impact and Legacy
Billy Wagner's impact on the game extends beyond his impressive statistics. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest relievers in baseball history, paving the way for future generations of closers.
Wagner's legacy also lies in his philanthropic efforts:
Founding member of the Pitch In For Baseball organization: Helping to provide baseball equipment and instruction to underprivileged youth worldwide.
* Recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award (2008) for his charitable work off the field.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Wagner's reputation as a fierce competitor and dominant closer makes him a household name among baseball enthusiasts. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his dedication to giving back to the community, has cemented his place in baseball lore.
Quotes by Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner's insights on:
The guy who has stood out as being special is Howard. You don't walk in and just replace Jim Thome, but you can't possibly do any better than he has.
He's not the old (Bonds), but he can still hit. I still think he's the best player I've ever played against or seen. He's at about 85-90 percent, but he's better than any baseball player out there.
I don't want to go up there and be a bad apple. I'm just not a very good spring pitcher. I don't want to hurt my team by going out there and not being as effective as I want to.
Gerry would be a fine fit in Philadelphia. I know Gerry, and I know what he's capable of. He's one guy that can go out there and get things done. He's fantastic, and he'll go out there and find that piece that's missing to get you over the hump.
I don't know if Philly is my first choice, but I like it enough to come back. They still have time.
He's the greatest player I've ever played against. For him to break it, it's good for the game.
