In electing Wagner, the BBWAA has defined the modern-day closer as its own entity, with candidates’ credentials measured not against the whole of the body but against this specific peer group.

The trio of stars, each of whom spent part of their career in New York, will be inducted in Cooperstown on July 27.

Former Houston Astros closer Billy Wagner's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame capped a climb with voters that few players have accomplished.