Episode 14

full
Published on:

26th Feb 2025

Old School Billy Wagner: Hall of Fame Journey, Family, and the Future of Baseball

Fans First, host Jim Powell and Tyler Flowers sits down with baseball legend Billy Badass Wagner, one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history. Billy talks about his emotional Hall of Fame election, the journey of becoming a Hall of Famer, and what it meant to him to be recognized for his incredible 400-save career. He shares stories about his family, including his son’s MLB career, his old-school approach to baseball, and his thoughts on the future of the game, including the impact of technology like robot umpires. Billy also dives into the lighter side of his career, from unforgettable pranks with teammates to his favorite catchers and the challenges of being a parent in the world of professional sports.

Timestamps:

  • (01:00) Introduction to Billy Wagner
  • (01:39) Billy's Emotional Hall of Fame Announcement
  • (04:01) A Close Look at Billy Wagner’s Legacy
  • (07:47) The Story Behind Billy’s Unlikely Career
  • (11:09) Reflections on Hall of Fame Induction and Family Pride
  • (14:15) Billy Talks About the Hard Work of Being in the Hall of Fame
  • (18:10) Billy’s Early Career and His Change to Left-Handed Pitching
  • (19:11) Billy's Take on the Evolution of Baseball and Technology
  • (23:05) Thoughts on MLB's Future: Robot Umpires & Pitching Revolution
  • (27:18) Behind the Scenes: Baseball Pranks and Team Dynamics
  • (31:22) Billy Discusses His Favorite Catchers
  • (33:50) Billy’s Perspective on Old-School Baseball vs. New Trends
  • (36:15) The Most Unforgettable Moments of Billy’s Career
  • (39:48) Billy’s Regret About Missing a Championship
  • (42:03) Wrap-Up: Reflections on Billy’s Legacy and Family


Key Takeaways:

  • Billy Wagner’s Legacy: A true powerhouse on the mound, Billy Wagner’s career is highlighted by his 400 saves and his reputation as the toughest pitcher to hit in MLB history.
  • Family and Baseball: Billy’s family has played a huge role in his career, from his emotional Hall of Fame election to his son’s current MLB journey.
  • Old-School Baseball Values: Billy shares his perspective on the game’s evolution, including his old-school approach and thoughts on the new era of baseball with the introduction of technology and robot umpires.
  • Hall of Fame Induction and Recognition: For Billy, being inducted into the Hall of Fame represents not just personal success, but a tribute to his small-town roots and the journey that led him to be a baseball legend.


Resource Links:

Fans First Podcast Website http://www.fansfirstpodcast.com


About the Guest:

Billy BadAss Wagner is a former MLB pitcher known for his powerful left arm and incredible fastball. With a career spanning over 16 years, Billy made a significant impact on the game, finishing with 400 saves, one of the highest marks for a relief pitcher. His achievements earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025. Billy is also known for his humble beginnings in Southwest Virginia and his deep love for the game, which he continues to share with his family, especially his son, who is now playing in the major leagues.


Billy Wagner, Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB, Jim Powell, Tyler Flowers, Sports Podcast, Baseball Stories, 400 Saves, Baseball Career, Baseball Legends, MLB Hall of Fame, Fan Stories, Baseball Pranks, Pitching Careers, Fans First, Billy the Kid

Transcript
[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Fans First a Sports Podcast

About the Podcast

Fans First a Sports Podcast
Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports.


Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.


Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!


Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.


Social Media Handles:
X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

About your host

Profile picture for James Powell

James Powell