Billy Wagner

William "Billy" Edward Wagner (born July 25, 1971, in Tannersville, Virginia) is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Previously, Wagner pitched for the Houston Astros (1995-2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004-2005), New York Mets (2006-2009) and Boston Red Sox (2009). During his career, Wagner has established himself as one of the best closers in baseball, and he is perhaps best known for his ability to throw a 100mph... more

William "Billy" Edward Wagner (born July 25, 1971, in Tannersville, Virginia) is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Previously, Wagner pitched for the Houston Astros (1995-2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004-2005), New York Mets (2006-2009) and Boston Red Sox (2009). During his career, Wagner has established himself as one of the best closers in baseball, and he is perhaps best known for his ability to throw a 100mph fastball despite having a relatively slight frame for a pitcher. As a youth, Wagner was a natural right-handed pitcher, but after breaking his throwing arm twice, he taught himself how to use his left arm by throwing nothing but fastballs against a barn wall. He graduated from Tazewell High School, where he was named the 1990 Baseball Player of the Year. He then attended Ferrum College in Virginia and went 16-4 there, while setting single season NCAA records for strikeouts per nine innings (19.1 in 1992) and fewest hits per nine innings... less