Craig Biggio

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Biggio began his major league journey as the Astros' starting catcher in 1989, winning a Silver Slugger Award that same year. His speed was legendary, prompting management to move him to the outfield part-time in 1990 to preserve his legs from the rigors of catching. The pivotal shift occurred in spring training 1992; despite making the All-Star team as a catcher the previous year, he converted to second base, becoming the first player in history to be an All-Star at both positions. Between 1994 and 1999, he dominated the National League, leading in doubles three times, runs scored twice, and stolen bases once. He was known for intentionally keeping his batting helmet dirty and for a unique durability streak of 1,800 games without a trip to the disabled list until August 1, 2000, when Preston Wilson's slide tore his ACL and MCL. His resilience shone in 1997, when he became only the fifth player in MLB history to go an entire season without grounding into a double play.

In Their Own Story

In 1998, Biggio achieved a feat not seen since Tris Speaker, collecting fifty doubles and fifty stolen bases in the same season. He secured his 50th stolen base on September 23, joining Speaker as the only players to record this in the 20th century. That year, he also hit 20 home runs, completing the rare "20–50 club." Defensively, he was a four-time Gold Glove winner from 1994 to 1997, leading National League second basemen in assists six times and putouts five times between 1992 and 1999. His offensive consistency was unmatched; he held the NL record for most home runs to lead off a game (53) and led the league in hit-by-pitch five times with a career total of 285, trailing only Hughie Jennings' major league record of 287. Even when asked to move to center field in 2003 or left field in 2004 to accommodate new acquisitions like Jeff Kent and Carlos Beltrán, he adapted seamlessly. In the 2004 NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Biggio batted .400 (8-for-20), hitting his first career postseason home run in Game 4.

Reader's Guide

Craig Biggio's career is defined by longevity and versatility. He holds Astros franchise records for 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). His 668 career doubles rank sixth in major league history. He batted .300 four times and scored 100 runs eight times. While he ranks second in franchise history for RBIs (1,175), walks (1,160), and stolen bases (414), his defensive numbers at second base are historic: fourth in NL games played at the position (1,989) and sixth in assists (5,448). Biggio is one of only five players with 250 home runs and 400 steals. He was the ninth player to reach the 3,000 hit club while collecting all hits with a single team. His accolades include the 2005 Hutch Award for perseverance and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award for sportsmanship. The Astros retired his number 7 in 2008, and he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015, becoming the first member depicted in an Astros uniform on his plaque.

Did You Know?

• Biggio is the only player ever to be named an All-Star and win a Silver Slugger Award at both catcher and second base.
• He holds the National League record for most times leading off a game with a home run (53).
• In 1997, he became the fifth player in MLB history to complete a season without grounding into a double play.
• Biggio led the NL in hit-by-pitch five times; his career total of 285 trails only Hughie Jennings' 287 in major league history.
• He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015 as the first member depicted in an Astros uniform on his plaque.