Craig Biggio
The only player to win Silver Slugger Awards at both catcher and second base, and a seven-time All-Star for the Houston Astros.
Craig Alan Biggio (born December 14, 1965) is an American former professional baseball second baseman, outfielder, and catcher who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros, from 1988 to 2007. A seven-time National League All-Star often regarded as the greatest all-around player in Astros history, he is the only player ever to be awarded a Silver Slugger Award at both catcher and second base. With longtime teammates Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, he formed the core of the "Killer B's" who led Houston to six playoff appearances from 1997 to 2005, culminating in 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 was selected by the Houston Astros in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1987 draft. He was called up as a catcher midway through the 1988 season. In 1989, his first full season, Biggio became the Astros' starting catcher and won the Silver Slugger Award. He made the All-Star team as a catcher in 1991, then converted to second base in 1992 and made the All-Star team again, becoming the first player in baseball history to be an All-Star at both catcher and second base. He holds the National League record for most home runs to lead off a game (53) and is one of only five players with 250 home runs and 400 steals. Biggio also led the NL in times hit by pitch five times, with his career total of 285 trailing only Hughie Jennings' 287 in major league history.
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
Biggio holds Astros franchise records for most career games, at bats, hits, runs scored, doubles, total bases (4,711) and extra base hits (1,014), and ranks second in runs batted in (1,175), walks (1,160) and stolen bases (414). A four-time Gold Glove Award winner, he led NL second basemen in assists six times and putouts five times. He retired ranking fourth in NL history in games at second base (1,989), sixth in assists (5,448) and fielding percentage (.984), seventh in putouts (3,992) and double plays (1,153), and eighth in total chances (9,596). He was the ninth player in the 3,000 hit club to collect all his hits with one team.
Did You Know?
- Biggio is the only player ever to be awarded a Silver Slugger Award at both catcher and second base.
- He holds the NL record for most times leading off a game with a home run (53).
- Biggio's 668 career doubles ranked sixth in major league history and are the second-most ever by a right-handed hitter.
- 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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