Fewest games? Among pitchers in the hall? Lol Yeah innings pitched is definitely not a metric used to evaluate a closer.
Just looked it up. Wagner is 41st in games pitched on the all-time list. Since it’s mostly relievers in the top 50, that puts him near the top of hall of fame pitchers in games pitched - way more than most starters.
No reason he wouldn't/shouldn't (iirc the HOF chooses the plaque, not the player, thanks to Wade Boggs)
Could have had no team, which honestly wouldn't have been that surprising given the number of places he played and that he kind of left each stop (except the Braves) on a sour note. HOF has final decision, but I think they can still take player's opinion into consideration. Maddux being one that really sticks out to me given you'd think anything he would have been a Brave given he spent the most time there and it was easily the most meaningful years of his career.
I am surprised that this is the first time I have ever heard of this. Maybe Lance should start throwing from the left side? If Billy Wagner can do it ...
If Lance had spent everyday that he has been hurt learning from Billy Wags how to throw left handed ... Lance woud have another elbow to go through