Former Red Sox, Phillies Pitcher Gary Wagner Dies at 85

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Gary Wagner, a former pitcher who spent six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, has died at the age of 85. Wagner went 15-19 with a 3.70 ERA in 162 games, primarily in relief, during his MLB career from 1965 to 1970.

Why it matters

Wagner was a journeyman pitcher who carved out a solid career in the majors, playing for two historic franchises in the Red Sox and Phillies. His passing marks the end of an era for a player who overcame humble beginnings to reach the highest level of professional baseball.

The details

Wagner, a native of Bridgeport, Illinois, was just the sixth player from Eastern Illinois University to play professional baseball and the first to reach the majors. He initially played shortstop in college before transitioning to pitching, where he threw a no-hitter in his first start. Wagner spent three seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1965, going 7-7 with a 3.00 ERA and seven saves as a rookie. He spent most of the 1966 and 1967 seasons in the minors but returned to the Phillies in 1968, recording a career-high eight saves. The Phillies traded Wagner to the Red Sox in 1969, where he played his final season in 1970 before retiring.

• Wagner died on March 11, 2026 at the age of 85.
• Wagner made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1965.
• Wagner spent most of the 1966 and 1967 seasons in the minors before returning to the Phillies in 1968.
• The Phillies traded Wagner to the Red Sox in September 1969.
• Wagner's final MLB season was in 1970 with the Red Sox.