Billy Wagner Denied Induction into National Baseball Hall of Fame

Billy Wagner, the former Houston Astros relief pitcher, was not selected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite receiving 73.8% of the vote from the Baseball Writers Association of America, Wagner fell just short of the required 75% threshold.

2024 Inductees

The 2024 inductees into the Hall of Fame are Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton.

Wagner’s Career and Stats

Wagner, who was selected by the Houston Astros in the 1993 MLB Amateur Draft, had an impressive career as a relief pitcher. He recorded 422 saves, ranking him sixth in career saves. Over his 16 seasons, Wagner achieved a 2.31 ERA and struck out 1,196 batters. He played for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves.

Previous Hall of Fame Voting

Last year, Wagner received 68% of the vote from the BBWAA for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame Ballot Tracker

The Hall of Fame Ballot Tracker predicted a 78% vote for Wagner, which would have been enough for induction.

Eligibility and Future Hopes

Players have 10 years of eligibility for Hall of Fame induction, starting five years after their retirement. Wagner, who retired in 2010, became eligible in 2016. He had hoped to join his former Astros teammates Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell in the Hall of Fame.

Other Former Astros on the Ballot

Carlos Beltran and Andy Pettitte, both former Astros players, were also denied entry into the Hall of Fame.

SEE ALSO: Will Wagner, son of Houston’s legendary closer, digs in at Astros spring training in Florida