Astros to Retire Billy Wagner’s No. 13 Ahead of Hall Induction \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Houston Astros will retire Billy Wagner’s No. 13 jersey on August 16, coinciding with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27. Wagner, the Astros’ all-time saves leader, recorded 225 saves from 1995 to 2003 before continuing his career with the Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves. A three-time All-Star, Wagner had a dominant 1999 season, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting. He becomes the 10th player in Astros history to have his number retired. Christian Walker, who was set to wear No. 13, will now switch to No. 8.
Billy Wagner’s Jersey Retirement: Quick Looks
- Astros will retire Billy Wagner’s No. 13 on August 16, 2024, in a special ceremony.
- The event coincides with Wagner’s Hall of Fame induction on July 27 in Cooperstown.
- Wagner is the Astros’ all-time leader in saves with 225 from 1995-2003.
- He finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 1999, posting a 1.57 ERA with 39 saves.
- Opponents batted just .135 against Wagner in his dominant 1999 season.
- After leaving Houston, Wagner saved 197 more games for the Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves.
- His No. 13 will be the 10th number retired in Astros history.
- Christian Walker, who had planned to wear No. 13, will now switch to No. 8.
Deep Look
The Houston Astros are set to honor one of the greatest closers in franchise history by retiring Billy Wagner’s No. 13 jersey on August 16, 2024. This momentous occasion will come just weeks after Wagner is officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant relief pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
Wagner, who holds the Astros’ all-time record for saves with 225, played for Houston from 1995 to 2003 before continuing his career with the Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves. His overpowering fastball and fearless presence on the mound made him a force to be reckoned with, and he played a crucial role in the Astros’ late-1990s and early-2000s success.
The decision to retire Wagner’s number makes him only the 10th player in franchise history to receive the honor. His jersey will now hang among Houston baseball legends such as Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Nolan Ryan, further solidifying his place in Astros history.
The Making of a Hall of Fame Closer
Billy Wagner’s journey to greatness began in Tannersville, Virginia, where he grew up learning to pitch left-handed after breaking his right arm twice as a child. His unorthodox path did not stop him from developing into a dominant force on the mound. By the time he reached Ferrum College, he had established himself as an elite pitcher, catching the attention of MLB scouts.
Drafted by the Astros in the first round of the 1993 MLB Draft, Wagner quickly climbed through the minor league system. By 1995, he had made his MLB debut, and within a few years, he was one of the most dominant closers in baseball.
His 1999 season was a masterpiece, showcasing just how unhittable he could be. That year, he recorded 39 saves in 42 opportunities, posted an astonishing 1.57 ERA, and struck out 124 batters in just 74.2 innings. Opponents batted a mere .135 against him, and his dominance earned him fourth place in NL Cy Young voting.
His electric fastball, which consistently clocked in at 99-100 mph, made him one of the most intimidating closers of his era. He earned three All-Star selections during his time in Houston and was instrumental in leading the team to multiple playoff appearances.
A Career Beyond Houston
Despite his dominance, Wagner’s time with the Astros came to an end in 2003 when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. Though it was a difficult transition for both Wagner and Astros fans, he continued to shine as one of the league’s top relievers.
In Philadelphia, Wagner added 59 more saves over two seasons, maintaining his reputation as an elite closer. He later signed with the New York Mets, where he earned two more All-Star selections and recorded 101 saves from 2006 to 2009.
After brief stints with the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, Wagner retired in 2010 with 422 career saves, ranking sixth on MLB’s all-time list at the time. His 2.31 career ERA and 1,196 strikeouts in 903 innings solidified his place as one of the greatest relief pitchers of all time.
Hall of Fame Induction and Astros Jersey Retirement
After years of being overlooked on the Hall of Fame ballot, Wagner finally received the recognition he deserved in 2024, earning enough votes to be inducted into Cooperstown. He will be honored alongside other baseball legends, including Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Dave Parker, and Dick Allen.
In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, the Astros have ensured his legacy will live on in Houston by retiring his No. 13 jersey. The ceremony, set for August 16 at Minute Maid Park, will celebrate his contributions to the franchise and his place among Houston baseball greats.
His number retirement places him in an elite group of Astros legends. Other retired numbers include:
- Jeff Bagwell (#5)
- Craig Biggio (#7)
- Nolan Ryan (#34)
- Mike Scott (#33)
- Jimmy Wynn (#24)
- José Cruz (#25)
- Don Wilson (#40, posthumous)
- Jim Umbricht (#32, posthumous)
- Jackie Robinson (#42, retired league-wide)
This honor cements Wagner’s place in Astros history, recognizing him as one of the most dominant and impactful closers in the team’s storied past.
Impact on the Current Astros and Christian Walker’s Number Change
The number retirement has also affected the current Astros roster. Christian Walker, who joined the team in December 2023, had originally planned to wear No. 13. However, with Wagner’s jersey set to be retired, Walker has agreed to switch to No. 8 instead.
This change reflects the respect Wagner commands within the organization and highlights the Astros’ commitment to honoring their greatest players.
What’s Next? The Celebration of a Legend
Fans can look forward to two major celebrations honoring Billy Wagner’s career:
- July 27, 2024 – Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York
- August 16, 2024 – Jersey Retirement Ceremony at Minute Maid Park in Houston
These events will serve as a fitting tribute to one of the greatest closers in MLB history. Wagner’s dominance on the mound, his fearless competitive spirit, and his impact on the Astros will now be immortalized in both Cooperstown and Houston.For a player who once stood on the mound striking out batters with his overpowering fastball, this honor is a testament to his lasting impact on the game. Whether as a Hall of Famer or an Astros legend, Billy Wagner’s name will forever be synonymous with greatness.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.