Craig Biggio
The only player awarded a Silver Slugger at both catcher and second base; a cornerstone of the Killer B's who played 20 seasons for one team.
Craig Alan Biggio is an American former professional baseball player who spent his entire 20-season career with the Houston Astros from 1988 to 2007. Originally a catcher, he successfully transitioned to second base and outfielder, becoming a seven-time National League All-Star often regarded as the greatest all-around player in franchise history. He is unique as the only player ever awarded a Silver Slugger at both catcher and second base, and one of the few to be an All-Star at both positions (though he was never an All-Star as a catcher). A core member of the "Killer B's" alongside Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, Biggio led Houston to six playoff appearances and the franchise's first World Series appearance in 2005.
- Historic Milestone
- One of only five players with 250 home runs and 400 stolen bases; one of two players t
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Biggio's career was defined by his versatility and durability, anchored by his time as the Astros' starting catcher in 1989, where he won a Silver Slugger Award. In spring training of 1992, management convinced him to convert to second base, making him one of the few players in history to be an All-Star at both positions (he was selected as an All-Star at second base, not catcher). Between 1994 and 1999, he led the National League in doubles three times, runs scored twice, and stolen bases once. He was known for his consistent leadoff hitting, even holding the NL record with 53 home runs to start a game. Defensively, he won four consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1994 to 1997, leading NL second basemen in assists six times and putouts five times. His offensive production included hitting .300 four times and scoring 100 runs eight times, with career totals of 3,060 hits and 668 doubles.
In Their Own Story
The "Killer B's" era began when the Astros acquired Jeff Bagwell prior to the 1991 season, creating a power partnership that overlapped completely for 15 seasons. Along with Lance Berkman, they formed the core that led Houston to six playoff appearances between 1997 and 2005. In 1998, Biggio achieved a rare feat not seen since Tris Speaker in the 20th century: collecting fifty doubles and fifty stolen bases in the same season, completing the milestone with his 50th steal on September 23. He also joined the exclusive 20-50 club that year by hitting 20 home runs. His resilience was tested on August 1, 2000, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury after Florida Marlins' Preston Wilson slid into second base, tearing his ACL and MCL. Despite this setback, he hit for the cycle on April 8, 2002, and later moved to center field in 2003 and left field in 2004 to accommodate other players. In the 2004 NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Biggio went 8-for-20, hitting his first career postseason home run in Game 4.
Reader's Guide
Fans of Craig Biggio recognize him as one of only five players with 300 stolen bases and 250 home runs. His career hit-by-pitch total of 285 trails only Hughie Jennings' 287 in major league history, a testament to his willingness to stand in the plate. He holds numerous Astros franchise records, including most career games (2,850), at-bats (10,876), hits (3,060), runs scored (1,844), doubles (668), total bases (4,711), and extra-base hits (1,014). He ranks second in franchise history for RBIs (1,175), walks (1,160), and stolen bases (414). At the end of his career, he was the ninth player to join the 3,000 hit club while collecting all hits with a single team. Following his retirement in 2007, the Astros retired his number 7 in 2008. In 2015, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first member depicted in an Astros uniform on his plaque.
Did You Know?
- Biggio holds the National League record for most times leading off a game with a home run (53).
- He is one of only five players in history to reach 250 home runs and 400 stolen bases.
- His 668 career doubles are the second-most ever by a right-handed hitter in major league history.
- Biggio led the National League in times hit by pitch four times (1995, 1996, 1997, 2001), finishing with a career total of 285.
- He was the first member of the Hall of Fame to be depicted in an Astros uniform on his plaque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Craig Biggio?
Craig Biggio was a professional baseball player who spent his entire twenty-year career with the Houston Astros from 1988 to 2007. He is widely regarded as the greatest all-around player in franchise history and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015.
What positions did he play?
Originally starting as a catcher, Biggio successfully transitioned to become an elite second baseman and outfielder throughout his tenure. He holds the unique distinction of being named an All-Star and winning Silver Slugger awards at both the catcher and second base positions.
Why is he important to Astros culture?
Biggio was a cornerstone of the famous "Killer B's" lineup alongside Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, leading Houston to six playoff appearances. His jersey number seven has been retired by the franchise in honor of his legendary service.
What are his major career milestones?
He achieved rare statistical feats, becoming one of only five players with over 300 stolen bases and 250 home runs combined. Additionally, he won four Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence during his seven All-Star selections.
How did his story end?
After retiring in 2007, Biggio remains a revered legend within the organization and was officially enshrined as a Hall of Famer in 2015. He continues to be celebrated for his loyalty, playing every single game of his career with one team.
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