Wagner warmed two baseball towns
Wagner, a native of Reading, Pa., spent six seasons as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox (1938-42, 1946). The right-hander, who compiled a record of 32-23 over 100 appearances, roomed with Ted Williams during his playing days. Upon retiring, Wagner embarked upon a 50-year career as a scout and Minor League instructor, all with the Red Sox. His ties to the Boston organization were so strong that he was awarded a championship ring after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004.
Wagner was equally revered in his hometown, and fittingly passed away just hours after attending a Reading Phillies game. The press box at Reading's FirstEnergy Field was renamed in his honor in 2000.
"It is a sad day for the friends that he left behind that will never hear the great baseball stories, feel his warmth or see that twinkle in his eye," said Reading General Manager Chuck Domino in a statement on the club's website. "We all loved him and he loved us, and he told us that every day. We will miss him, and we will never forget the greatness of 'Broadway' and the lessons that he taught us about life, every day, by just observing him."
The R-Phillies drew a franchise-record 9,816 fans on Thursday, as the team honored Wagner and slain police officer Scott Wertz in a pregame ceremony. All media members in attendance wore a coat and tie, in memory of Wagner's traditional press box attire.
Benjamin Hill is a contributor to MLB.com.