I am compelled to make a thread about how awesome this guy is. He has been with the astros since my childhood, and seems to get better and better as he ages, much like Clemens. This dude is what describes Houston sports, along with Warren Moon/ Earl Campbell, Hakeem/ Moses, Biggio/Biggio/Biggio. Lets give it up for the little guy, 250th career homerun!
Biggio is my personal favorite athlete, not simply for his performance, but for what he has done on and off the field and how he has acted, making sacrifices (different positions) and coming back from serious injury to perform at such a great level. When I had surgery that attempted to fix my chest back in July of '98, just about the only thing I enjoyed during my painful hospital stay was watching the Astros play. My dad (a family physician) had a patient at the time who was an Astros bat boy. Some way, somehow (thanks to my dad, his patient, and most importantly Mr. Biggio) I was recouperating at home one day when my dad brings home an interesting looking item in a very long sock. It was a bat...a Craig Biggio bat!...GAME (or BP) USED!!...autographed with a personal message for me...WOW!!! It still is and always will be the best item I've ever gotten from anyone. I was very glad when Drayton decided to (Seemingly) go against Hunsicker's wishes and re-sign Biggio to another contract. While it was a tough decision, loyalty sure does pay off -- not only are the Astros keeping a fine, fantastic player, but one of the best people off the field, especially with his charity work in the community. So anyway, I'm so glad that my favorite player has been able to continue to work for my favorite team and contribute in a spectacular way.
He keeps on added to his lead off homer record total for the national League. Imagine if he was a leadoff hitter all his career. Definently would have put up some nice numbers.
Hall of Fame. His case is even more compelling than Bagwell's (although I agree with Buck when he calls Bags the greatest Astro ever). A good article stating the case can be found at http://www.astrosdaily.com/history/biggiohof.html, although in its most recent rewrite there is some confusion in the revision levels. I have no doubt in my mind that Bagwell and Biggio belong in, and will one day enter, baseball's Hall of Fame. Finally, something from Houston other than Metzger's sneakers.
I'm glad you started this thread as I was thinking about this myself...This guy is just amazing and he continues to play his arse off and produce... Bidge: I love you man...
A great player, a consumate pro, a leader on and off the field, and a guy who gave his all on every single play of his career. His small frame, youthful face and especially the dirty uniforms and helmet always gave me the impression that he was a kid playing the game he loved.
I've been really impressed with Bidge this year. Getting rid of that high leg kick before last season was the best thing ever to happen to him.
I don't know if I read it here or maybe I heard Joe Morgan say it during a game, but many people believe getting rid of the leg kick hasn't really changed anything, but because he believed he could hit better this way, he is hitting better. So it's basically a mental thing.
I used to work in the bakery at the Randall's near his house, and Craig and his wife would come in shopping together almost every week. You've never met a more kind, personable guy off the field. That alone would be enough for me to idolize him. But what he's done in an Astros uniform is pretty amazing. How many positions has he played? And he was pretty darn good at all of 'em, too. Never afraid to lean into a pitch, dive in the dirt, do WHATEVER it took for the TEAM. He not only epitomizes the Houston Astros, he sets a standard for athletes in every sport to strive for. I only hope the loyalty he has shown this franchise is returned by management, and he retires as an Astro. After he gets that ring, of course.
A good friend of ours' eldest son got diagnosed with leukemia about 18 months ago (just found out it came back & he's back in the hospital...&*%$). Huge baseball fan, plays at Bellaire LL, season tix to the Stros, Biggio is his favorite player, the whole shabang. So he's going through out-patient chemo & is pretty down, and the doorbell rings one afternoon. Mom, knowing what's up, asks him to get the door, kid opens it, Biggio is standing there, and kid, not really paying attention says "Mom it's for you!" and starts walking away. Then it dawns on him who it is. They hung out for about 30 minutes, showed CB his room & all the baseball memorabilia, they play catch in the front yard, CB gives him a signed bat and a bunch of other stuff. Totally sweet. Biggio has done things like this for countless children. He rules. Support the Sunshine Kids.
