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Phillies: Brad Lidge taught Billy Wagner slider before trade

Brad Lidge #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

In 2003 as Astros teammates, Brad Lidge taught Billy Wagner how to throw a slider; both would go on to record 159 combined saves as Phillies.

Before lights-out closers Billy Wagner and Brad Lidge were dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies in November 2003 and November 2007, respectively, they were teammates on the Houston Astros in parts of two seasons — 2002 and 2003.

In those early 2000s seasons, Lidge was just beginning his 11-year Major League Baseball journey, whereas Wagner had established himself as a reliable closer, recording 225 saves across parts of nine seasons from 1995 to 2003.