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Craig Biggio

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Craig Biggio is a former American professional baseball player who played his entire 20-year career with the Houston Astros from 1988 to 2007. He is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2015 along with Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz. Biggio's career was marked by his versatility, playing multiple positions including second baseman, catcher, and outfielder, and his ability to get on base, earning him comparisons to Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. He was also known for his speed, finishing his career with over 300 stolen bases and earning him a spot on the National League Silver Slugger Award team.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Biggio was born in Kings Park, New York and grew up in Long Island, New York, where he attended Kings Park High School and played baseball and football alongside Frank Viola. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 1987 MLB draft out of Seton Hall University, where he played college baseball for the Seton Hall Pirates baseball team under coach Mike Sheppard (baseball). Biggio's amateur career was marked by his impressive performance in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he played for the Cotuit Kettleers and was named the league's MVP in 1986. He was also a member of the United States national baseball team that competed in the 1986 World University Baseball Championship in Havana, Cuba, alongside Robin Ventura and Tino Martinez.

Professional Career

Biggio made his major league debut on June 26, 1988, for the Houston Astros against the San Francisco Giants at the Astrodome, where he was caught by Alan Ashby and pitched to by Mike Scott (baseball). He quickly established himself as a key player for the Astros, earning his first National League All-Star selection in 1990 and winning his first Silver Slugger Award in 1994. Biggio played alongside notable teammates such as Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, and Roy Oswalt, and was a key member of the Astros team that won the National League Central division title in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001. He also played in the 2005 World Series against the Chicago White Sox, where he faced pitchers such as Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout his career, Biggio earned numerous awards and accolades, including seven National League All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, and four Gold Glove Awards. He was also named the National League MVP in 1997 and finished in the top 10 of the MVP voting five times. Biggio was a member of the 30-30 club in 1998 and 1999, and his 3,060 hits rank him among the top 25 all-time leaders in Major League Baseball history, alongside players such as Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Carl Yastrzemski. He was also awarded the Roberto Clemente Award in 2007 for his community service and philanthropic work, particularly with the Houston Astros Foundation and the Baseball Assistance Team.

Personal Life

Biggio is married to his wife, Patty Biggio, and they have three children together, including Conner Biggio, who played baseball at the University of Notre Dame and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2015 MLB draft. Biggio is also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Baseball Assistance Team and the Houston Astros Foundation, which supports children's hospitals and youth baseball programs in the Houston, Texas area. He has also worked with former President George H.W. Bush on various charitable initiatives, including the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund.

Legacy

Biggio's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Houston Astros history, alongside Jeff Bagwell and Nolan Ryan. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 with 82.7% of the vote, and his number 7 jersey was retired by the Astros in 2008. Biggio's impact on the game is still felt today, as he is involved in various baseball initiatives, including the USA Baseball program and the Major League Baseball Players Association. He has also been involved in various charity golf tournaments, including the Celebrity Golf Classic at the TPC at The Woodlands, which benefits the Houston Astros Foundation and other local charities. Category:Baseball players

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