A homecoming statue dedication for Tazewell native and Baseball Hall of Fame member Billy Wagner

A statue of Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and Tazewell native Billy Wagner was dedicated downtown in the park that bares his name.

Wagner, who came to live with his aunt and uncle in Tazewell in the 1980s, gave tributes to family and former teammates while getting emotional in the moment.

The 16-year Major League Baseball reliever was inducted into Cooperstown last year. Wagner was a first-round draft choice of the Houston Astros while at Ferrum College. He holds NCAA Division II records for career and single-season strikeouts while compiling 422 career saves playing for five teams.

(IMAGE: Property of Town of Tazewell, Virginia / Official Facebook)