FERRUM, Va. – It proved to be the call of a lifetime but it was also 10 years in the waiting for Billy Wagner. But now the Southwest Virginia native is thankful for the to have gotten the call to the hall.
Revered as one of the greatest relief pitchers to take the mound, Wagner can now feel a sense of relief.
“I think that’s God’s way of teaching me patience,” said Wagner. “You pray for patience and this is what he says. You know, I’m blessed.”
The former 7-time MLB All-Star was recently selected for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his final year of eligibility. His standout days in the big league’s wouldn’t be possible without his roaring days as a Panther.
“I noticed he had a great arm but was really small. Probably 130 pounds,” said former Ferrum head baseball coach Abe Naff.