As Atlanta sports fans stare down at the beginning of NFL training camps and find only Braves baseball on television, it is clear what time of year this is.
The distinctive nature of the sports world in late July every year carries with it a yearly tradition in upstate New York. This weekend will feature five players rewarded with the honor of being enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, and will include former Braves hurler Billy Wagner. The seven-time all-star will be inducted on Sunday, along with Dick Allen, Dave Parker, C.C. Sabathia, and Ichiro Suzuki.
While Wagner is best known through his career for his time spent with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, he notably spent the last year of his career with the Braves. He also spent time with the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox during his 16-year career that saw him earn 422 saves, placing him eighth in MLB history.
Former Braves LHP Billy Wagner Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Following an already historic career, the left-handed closer signed a one-year, $7 million contract in preparation for the 2010 season, which would prove to be Wagner's final year in the MLB. During the ’10 campaign, the former 1993 first-rounder had 37 saves with a career best ERA of 1.43. He achieved his 400th career save on June 25 and played in his final MLB game in Game 2 of the 2010 NL Division Series against the San Francisco Giants.
Wagner would prove important to the future success of the Braves as well. During his one year in Atlanta, the veteran demonstrated leadership and mentorship to the young pitching staff, including future closer Craig Kimbrel, and helped the Braves win 91 games in 2010 — good enough for the N.L. Wild Card spot. Kimbrel has often cited Wagner as a major influence on his early career success.
Wagner, who was affectionally known as Billy the Kid to Houston fans in his early days, was a natural righty despite throwing left during his career. According to reports, Wagner broke his right arm twice before the age of seven, resulting in his learning to throw left-handed at an early age, making his Hall of Fame induction even more impressive.