Billy Wagner is a Hall of Famer.
The former Mets closer had to wait until his 10th and final year on the ballot, but he was officially inducted into Cooperstown on Sunday afternoon.
One of the most dominant relievers of all time, Wagner pitched for the Mets from 2006 to 2009 during a career that also included stints with the Astros, Phillies, Red Sox, and Braves.
A seven-time All-Star who twice finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting, Wagner had a 2.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP while striking out 1,196 batters in 903.0 innings over 853 appearances during his 16-year career.
Now, he becomes the eighth full-time reliever to enter the Hall.
After thanking countless individuals including his family, teammates, coaches, and fans during his speech Wagner shared a heartfelt message.
“Obstacles are not a roadblock, obstacles are stepping stones, they build you and shape you,” he said. “I wasn’t the biggest, I wasn’t left-handed, I wasn’t supposed to be here. There were only seven full-time relievers in the Hall of Fame, now there are eight.
“Because I refused to give up or give in, I refused to listen to the outside critics, and I never stopped working. That’s what this game does for you — it teaches you about life, it teaches you how to preserver. Don’t fear failure, embrace it because perseverance isn’t just a trait, it’s the path to greatness.”
Along with Wagner, former Yankees Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia were elected.
Welcome to baseball immortality, Billy Wagner. pic.twitter.com/LkX8HKumJP
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) July 27, 2025