Biggio and Bagwell to play in first World Series

msn · Oct 20, 2005

<a href=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/astros/2005-10-20-biggio-bagwell-first-series_x.htm>Biggio and Bagwell to play in first World Series</a>

By Mel Antonen, USA TODAY

ST. LOUIS — Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, the cornerstones of the Houston Astros, were standing together at the front of the dugout when right fielder Jason Lane caught the fly ball that put the finishing touches on the team's first National League pennant.

Craig Biggio singles in Adam Everett in Game 6. For the first time since coming up with the Astros 19 seasons ago, he's headed to the World Series.
By Charlie Neibergal, AP

They hugged each other.

"There wasn't much you could say," Biggio said after the Astros' 5-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

As the Astros sprayed champagne in the visiting clubhouse, many players' thoughts weren't far from Biggio and Bagwell.

"I couldn't be happier for them," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "It was a labor of love for them. They suffered all those years. It's wonderful for them."

Astros owner Drayton McLane said that getting to the World Series means relief, not only for Biggio and Bagwell, but for himself.

"Craig has played with one organization his entire career, and you don't see that very much," McLane said. "These guys are excited. I think they are relieved, just as I am relieved. I've been carrying this on my back (not getting to the World Series) for 13 years."

Biggio, 39, was drafted by the Astros in 1987 and became a full-time player in '89. Bagwell was a Class AA player in the Boston Red Sox organization when the Red Sox, trying to get to the postseason, traded him to Houston in 1990 for relief pitcher Larry Andersen.

Bagwell, 37, made the Astros in 1991, and the two have been trying to bring a World Series to Houston ever since. The Astros teams from 1997 to 2001 lost four Division Series, including three to the Atlanta Braves. Last year they lost to the Cardinals in the NLCS, in seven games.

After Wednesday's clinching win, the two were standing next to each other, drenched in champagne and wearing black championship caps and T-shirts, and talking about the never-ending quest that wasn't going to last forever.

By Barbara Jean Germano, Sports Weekly
Jeff Bagwell hopes to get some swings in the World Series.

"Good things come to people that wait," Biggio said. "There's been a lot of sweat, a lot of pain. Now it's worth it all. The baseball gods have shined on us. We are not greedy. We just wanted to get to one World Series. We're going to the World Series. It's an unbelievable feeling. I don't know what else to say."

Biggio hit 40 doubles and recorded his eighth season of at least 20 home runs, but Bagwell's season went the other way. He had shoulder surgery in May and was limited to 39 games.

His goal was to get back in time to be on the postseason roster, and he is, as a pinch-hitter and possible right-handed designated hitter when the Astros open the World Series on Saturday at the Chicago White Sox.

The Astros were loose before the game, playing their usual games of cards and dominoes in the clubhouse before the game. Bagwell gave a fire-up, "we're-going-to-win-this-game" speech.

"I'm ecstatic," Bagwell said. "I'm happy for Bij. I'm happy for all the guys in here. They came back and found ways to win games. And, now we're going to the World Series."

Bagwell, himself known as "Bags," said he was thankful the Astros supported his rehabilitation so he could come back and be part of the postseason. In past Octobers, he says, whenever he's had time, he's watched the World Series on television.

"I know I will be watching it this year," Bagwell said.
Click to expand...

No you won't, Jeff. You'll be playing in the World Series. Finally. Kudos and congrats, it couldn't have happened to a better guy.

Hats off to the greatest Astros ever: Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. Enjoy playing on the Greatest Sports Stage in the World: the Fall Classic.

rrj_gamz · Oct 20, 2005

This is amazing...I'm still on cloud 9...I really don't want to work today...MY mom called and was in line to get Astros gear at Academy this morning...

Phi83 · Oct 20, 2005

It brings a tear to my eye everytime I see it. World Series Baby!

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