Craig Biggio Hall of Fame Induction

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. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1989. The Astros convinced Biggio to convert to second base in spring training of 1992. Biggio made the All-Star team for the second time in 1992, becoming the first player in the history of baseball to be an All-Star at both catcher and second base. He holds the NL record for most times leading off a game with a home run (53). 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.

Reader's Guide

Biggio played catcher (1988–1991), second base (1992–2003, 2005–2007), and outfield (2003–2004). He did not play third base, left field, or designated hitter according to the source. He was 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).

Did You Know?

• Biggio is one of only five players with 250 home runs and 400 steals.
• He was the ninth player in the 3,000 hit club to collect all his hits with one team.
• Biggio led the NL in times hit by pitch five times; his career total of 285 trails only Hughie Jennings' 287 in major league history.
• In 1998, he became the first player since Tris Speaker to collect fifty doubles and fifty stolen bases in the same season.