Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio is an American former professional baseball player who spent his entire 20-year Major League Baseball career with the Houston Astros. Renowned for his versatility, intensity, and durability, he was a seven-time All-Star and one of the most iconic players in franchise history. Biggio amassed over 3,000 hits and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2015, his first year of eligibility.

Early life and amateur career

Craig Biggio was born in Smithtown, New York, and attended Kings Park High School where he excelled in both baseball and football. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round of the 1983 MLB draft but chose to attend Seton Hall University. At Seton Hall, he played college baseball as a catcher and was a teammate of future Major League Baseball players like Mo Vaughn and John Valentin. His performance for the Seton Hall Pirates earned him All-American honors and led to his selection by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft.

Professional baseball career

Biggio made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros in 1988, initially establishing himself as an All-Star catcher. In a strategic move to preserve his knees and extend his career, manager Art Howe transitioned him to second base prior to the 1992 season. This shift proved immensely successful, as Biggio won four consecutive Gold Glove Awards at the position from 1994 to 1997 while also earning multiple Silver Slugger Awards. He formed a legendary double-play combination with shortstop Jeff Bagwell, and together they led the Astros to multiple postseason appearances, including the 1998 and 2005 NLDS, the 2004 NLCS, and the franchise's first World Series berth in 2005. Noted for his willingness to get hit by pitches, he retired ranked second all-time in that category, and he recorded his 3,000th hit in 2007.

Post-playing career and legacy

Following his retirement, Biggio served as a special assistant to the general manager for the Houston Astros. His iconic number 7 was retired by the franchise in a ceremony at Minute Maid Park in 2008. In 2015, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, becoming the first player to be inducted as an Astro. His plaque depicts him wearing a catcher's gear, honoring where his career began. He remains a revered figure in Houston and is frequently involved in the club's community and alumni activities, including the Houston Astros' World Series championship celebrations in 2017.

Personal life

Biggio is married to his high school sweetheart, Patty, and they have two sons, Conor and Cavan. His family has a strong baseball lineage; his son Cavan Biggio was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and made his MLB debut in 2019. The Biggio family has been deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Craig Biggio Foundation, which has raised millions for children with special needs and for research into leukodystrophy following the diagnosis of a family friend's child. He has also been active with the Jimmy V Foundation and other charitable organizations.

Awards and honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Craig Biggio accumulated numerous accolades. His individual honors include seven All-Star selections, four Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, and the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2007 for his sportsmanship and community involvement. He was a member of the Houston Astros' inaugural class inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame in 2019. His most significant honor came with his first-ballot election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2015, where he received 82.7% of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Category:American baseball players Category:Houston Astros players Category:Baseball Hall of Fame inductees