Ferrum, VA, October 21, 2026 — Ferrum College alumnus and National Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Wagner ’94 returned to his hometown of Tazewell, Virginia, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the dedication of Billy Wagner Park on Main Street and the unveiling of a statue honoring his remarkable baseball career.
The ceremony brought together family, friends, community members, and representatives from Wagner’s hometown and baseball journey to recognize his accomplishments and lasting legacy. Speakers included Wagner, one of his Tazewell High School baseball coaches Brad Strong, his Ferrum College baseball coach Abe Naff, Congressman Morgan Griffith, and town leaders. The program concluded with a special moment as Wagner threw a ceremonial pitch to a friend and classmate from Tazewell, mirroring the action pose of the statue by sculptor Maria Kirby-Smith.
Wagner’s journey from Southwest Virginia to the highest levels of professional baseball is a testament to determination, persistence, and hard work. A standout pitcher at Ferrum College from 1991 to 1993, he went on to become one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant closers, earning seven All-Star selections and recording more than 400 career saves.
Naff (in center of group photo with Wagner to his right) described Wagner’s good heart and unpretentious approach to all he did while he attended Ferrum College, as well as his extraordinary pitching skills. “There’s a whole lot more there than a great left arm,” Naff said. “They got guns and stop watches to measure talent. They don’t have one to measure heart.” Since Ferrum didn’t have the latest equipment to measure pitches in 1992, until a major league scout gave Ferrum a radar gun, Naff said he told scouts that Wagner had two pitches, “hard and harder.”
Wagner had a work-study job with college librarian Miss Cooper, and Naff assumes that other Hall of Famers didn’t do that kind of work for minimum wage. While Wagner was being observed by major league teams, he also did chores such as moving bleachers along with the other players. He “never ever got above his raising…. He never ever put himself above a teammate. I’m just so proud of him for that,” Naff said.
Paying tribute to his “great role models” and “great coaches,” his family and the town that taught him hard work and perseverance, Wagner stressed that when he took the field, he always played for his team and his community, not for himself. “This isn’t about me. This is about us,” he said, pointing to the statue.
Ferrum College’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement Chris Watters also attended the dedication. She said, “From Tazewell to Ferrum College to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball, Billy’s remarkable journey is an inspiring example of determination, perseverance, and excellence. He represents the very best of the Panther Nation. At Ferrum College, we are proud of Billy and excited to celebrate his extraordinary legacy alongside his hometown community.”
In 2025, Wagner was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, becoming the first former NCAA Division III player to receive the honor. He was enshrined alongside fellow baseball greats Dick Allen, Dave Parker, Ichiro Suzuki, and CC Sabathia. Wagner’s Ferrum College jersey, No. 13, is displayed at the Hall of Fame. He continued wearing the number throughout his professional career, and the Houston Astros retired his jersey in 2025.
Describing his pride at attending the Cooperstown parade and ceremony for Wagner’s induction in 2025, Naff said during his remarks in Tazewell, “I knew he was where he was supposed to be, if he was with the best.”
“Billy Wagner’s journey from Tazewell to the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a remarkable story of perseverance, hard work, and achievement, and Ferrum College is proud to be a part of that story,” said Ferrum College President Mirta Martin. “As a standout Panther, Billy demonstrated the talent and determination that would define his professional career. His legacy extends far beyond the baseball field. He and Sarah remain deeply connected to Ferrum College, giving back to our students, supporting our programs, and helping create opportunities for future generations. We are proud of all Billy has accomplished and grateful that his journey continues to reflect the values and lasting impact of a Ferrum College education.”
Wagner’s connection to Ferrum College has continued well beyond his playing days. He was inducted into the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, followed by his wife, Sarah Q. Wagner ’94, in 2004 in recognition of her outstanding basketball career. In May 2025, Wagner returned to campus as the commencement speaker for Ferrum College’s 109th graduation ceremony.
In November 2025, Billy and Sarah received Ferrum College’s Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring professional distinction, leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities and the College. The couple was also inducted into the 1913 Society in recognition of their commitment to the long-term strength and sustainability of Ferrum College.
After retiring from professional baseball in 2010, Wagner returned his focus to family and life in Virginia. He now serves as head baseball coach at Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville. Through their continued support of Ferrum College, the Wagners help mentor students, support athletics, and open doors for future Panthers.
The new park in Tazewell will continue to grow as funding becomes available. According to project director Charity Hurst, future plans include benches and points of interest representing different stages of Wagner’s life and baseball career. A bench recognizing his years at Ferrum College is planned as part of the project.
For Ferrum College, Wagner’s story is a powerful example of the lasting influence of a college experience. His achievements reflect not only excellence on the field, but also the enduring connections, opportunities, and sense of purpose that continue long after graduation.
Photos courtesy of Susan Reeves, Executive Assistant for the Town of Tazewell, and her husband John.
