Craig Biggio

The heart of the Killer B's and a Hall of Famer in an Astros uniform.

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 (NL) All-Star often regarded as the greatest all-around player in Astros history, he is the only player ever to be named an All-Star and to be awarded 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. At the end of his career, he ranked sixth in NL history in games played (2,850), fifth in at bats (10,876), 21st in hits (3,060), and seventh in runs scored (1,844). His 668 career doubles ranked sixth in major league history, and are the second-most ever by a right-handed hitter; his 56 doubles in 1999 were the most in the major leagues in 63 years.

Quick Facts

Position

Second baseman
Catcher
Outfielder

Bats

Right

Born

14 December 1965

Birthplace

Smithtown, New York, U.S.

Debut league

MLB

Debut date

June 26

Debut year

1988

Debut team

Houston Astros

Lore & Background

Biggio, who batted .300 four times and scored 100 runs eight times, 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). He also holds the NL record for most times leading off a game with a home run (53), and is one of only five players with 250 home runs and 400 steals. A four-time Gold Glove Award winner who 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. 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.

Reader's Guide

One of the most admired players of his generation, Biggio received the 2005 Hutch Award for perseverance through adversity and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award for sportsmanship and community service. The Astros retired the number 7 in his honor the year following his retirement. Since 2008, Biggio has served as special assistant to the general manager of the Astros. In 2015, Biggio was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first member of the Hall to be depicted in an Astros uniform on his plaque.

Did You Know?

In 1998, he became the first player since Tris Speaker to collect 50 doubles and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
Biggio played 1,800 games without a trip to the disabled list until a knee injury in 2000.

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.

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.