In electing Wagner, the BBWAA has defined the modern-day closer as its own entity, with candidates’ credentials measured not against the whole of the body but against this specific peer group.

Flamethrowing left-hander Billy Wagner earned his spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, officially getting elected on his 10th and final time on t

Former Houston Astros closer Billy Wagner's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame capped a climb with voters that few players have accomplished.

Chase Utley is well-positioned to someday reach the 75% mark for election, but Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu are spinning their wheels.

Wagner erupted in tears as he received the news of his induction during a phone call with Hall of Fame representatives in Cooperstown. Our Esquina's Jose de Jesus Ortiz was alongside Wagner in the reliever's home Tuesday night, and Ortiz relayed quite the emotional message.

It was an emotional moment for Wagner, who has used his time coaching baseball at the Miller School in Charlottesville, Virginia; travel baseball and helping his alma mater Ferrum College, to keep from overwhelming himself with the looming finality of his final year on the ballot.

Several Houston Astros’ legends reacted to Billy Wagner’s selection into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The former closer’s road to Cooperstown began in Houston in 1995. During his nine years with the Astros,