SWVA native, Billy Wagner, inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame

(WFXR)- Southwest Virginia native and former Tazewell High School standout, Billy Wagner, is now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The famed pitcher “amassed 422 saves over 16 years with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves,” according to the HOF. Wagner, along with Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, and Ichiro Suzuki were inducted over the weekend in Cooperstown, New York.

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“Being up here today, I feel like my baseball life has become full circle,” Wagner said. “This journey was shaped by my love of the game, the lessons of the game and by my love and respect for my family, my teammates and my coaches.”

“In conclusion, to every kid out there, this is my message to you,” Wagner said. “Obstacles are not a roadblock. Obstacles are steppingstones. They build you and shape you, refine you. 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 persevere. Don’t fear failure; embrace it, because perseverance isn’t just a trait, it’s the path to greatness.”

Billy Wagner

Wagner, 54, “was a seven-time All-Star and one of the most dominating closers in Major League history,” according to HOF.

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