Craig Biggio
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Craig Biggio (born December 14, 1965) is a seven-time All-Star baseball player for the Houston Astros.
Biggio was an All-American baseball player at Seton Hall University, where he played with other future Major League Baseball stars Mo Vaughn and John Valentin. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round (22nd overall) in 1987.
Biggio was called up as a catcher midway through the 1988 season but was temporarily moved to outfield in 1990 and eventually to second base in 1992, where he has spent most of his career. Biggio became known as a reliable, consistent hitter, not a power hitter. His stats reflect this, having consistently good marks in hitting and on-base percentage throughout his career.
His consistency was epitomized by playing 1,800 games without ever being put on the disabled list until August 1, 2000, when he had a season-ending knee injury. He was injured by the Florida Marlins' Preston Wilson's slide into second base, trying to break up a double play. He rebounded with a good season in 2001, but had a lackluster performance in 2002, with only a .253 average, his lowest since entering the league. However, he improved slightly for the 2003 season, averaging .264 with 166 hits. In 2004, he put up numbers more typical for his career, batting .281 with 178 hits, including a career-high 24 homers.
Biggio led the majors in runs scored in 1995 and 1997 and in doubles in 1998 and 1999. He tops the Astros career list in games played, at-bats, runs scored, hits and doubles. By the end of the 2004 season, Biggio had 2,639 hits, 564 doubles, 234 home runs and 994 RBIs. Oh, and over 400 stolen bases. He is also known as a 'killer B' along with Jeff Bagwell, Eric Bruntlett, Brandon Backe, Chris Burke, and Lance Berkman. He is gaining momentum as a likely future Hall of Famer.
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Categories: 1991 National League All-Stars | 1992 National League All-Stars | 1994 National League All-Stars | 1995 National League All-Stars | 1996 National League All-Stars | 1997 National League All-Stars | 1998 National League All-Stars | Houston Astros players | Major league catchers | Major league second basemen | 1965 births