Billy Wagner anxiously waited for his moment, but not just for himself, for what it meant to the future of baseball.

To gain entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Billy Wagner completed a climb few candidates have managed. Wagner, the former Houston Astros closer, attained the 75% support from voters required for election in his final year of eligibility on the writers’ ballot.

MLB players who are eligible to make the Baseball Hall of Fame receive 10 chances (as long as they don't dip below five percent of the vote) to get a plaque in

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.

Wagner was elected in his 10th and final year on the ballot with 82.5% of the vote. Chase Utley climbed to 39.8% in his second year.

In his 10th and final year on the ballot, former Astros closer Billy Wagner earned is place in Cooperstown, N.Y. in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Billy Wagner’s wait for that one special call from the Baseball Hall of Fame was excruciating. After all, this was the fire-balling left-handed closer’s 10th and final year on the ballot. Tensions were high after missing enshrinement by just five votes last year,

I n his 10th and final year on the ballot to make the MLB’s Hall of Fame, Astros reliever Billy Wagner finally makes it, getting 82.5% of the votes (75% needed to make the HOF).