When it comes to Astros All-Star pitcher Billy Wagner, he has a resume and career statistics worthy of making it to Cooperstown.
However, he’s on the ballot for the eighth time this year, with no election into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
During his 16-year career, Wagner was one of the most dominant closers in Major League history. His stats top all but one current Hall of Fame reliever in several major categories. In 903 career innings, Wagner allowed 601 hits while striking out 1,196. He also holds a .187 opponents batting average, which is the best total by any pitcher in Major League history.
Wagner’s a seven-time All-Star and his career 2.31 ERA ranks second among HOF relievers, he’s third in career save percentage (85.9), and fourth in total saves with 422.
His best season came in 1999 when Wagner had 39 saves and a 1.57 ERA. He struck out 124 batters with 74.2 innings and allowed just 35 hits. He held his opponents to an all-time best .135 batting average. Wagner finish fourth in the Cy Young voting that season.
Wagner was very consistent throughout his career, posting an ERA of 2.52 or lower in nine seasons. He also had four seasons of sub-2 ERA.
In his final season, Wagner had a 7-2 record with 37 saves and 104 strikeouts in 2010. He had a career-low 1.43 ERA while allowing 38 hits. The thing most impressive about Wagner’s numbers is that he pitched at a time when records were set for offensive production.
Wagner has one of the most unique backstories of any pitcher in baseball. He originally threw with his right arm, but after breaking his arm twice, he taught himself to throw with his left arm.