NEW YORK — Billy Wagner was a dominant closer from 1997-2010, and he has the stats to back up that statement. Two obvious examples: His 422 career saves are the sixth most in MLB history, and his 1,196 strikeouts are a league record for a left-handed reliever.
Yet, Wagner continues to wait for a call from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Wagner is in his ninth year of eligibility. This past January, he received 68.1 percent of the vote, which was short of the 75 percent needed to be elected into Cooperstown.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America voters have until Dec. 31 to cast their ballots. The results will be announced Jan. 23 on MLB Network. Will Wagner’s ninth time be the charm?