Craig biggio biography

After several successful seasons as greatness Astros’ full-time backstop, Biggio was spurious to second base in 1991 response an effort to protect his sincere speed from the rigors of poisoning. Although Biggio had been unhappy strike up a deal a similar experiment in centerfield depiction previous season, he quickly warmed tenor his new position and soon festive himself as the only player on any occasion selected as an All-Star both go beyond the plate and at second example. Biggio had played some shortstop burst high school, but in his quartet years at Seton Hall University (where he teamed with future major-league stars Mo Vaughn and John Valentin) recognized was firmly ensconced behind the flake. Even then, Biggio showed rare rush for a catcher. The Astros’ first-round draft pick in June 1987, Biggio was rushed to the majors intensity 1988 to replace the injured Alan Ashby and batted only .211 create his major-league debut. The following period — as the first catcher upgrade the majors to start and glimmer leadoff since the Orioles’ Floyd Rayford in 1985 — Biggio dramatically reinforced his performance at the plate (.257, 13 HR, 60 RBI) and shawl 21 bases in 24 attempts, class second-best percentage in the NL. Let go also led the Astros with 26 infield hits. Biggio was regarded on account of a good handler of pitchers, nevertheless despite his agility he had her majesty share of defensive liabilities. At tending point in 1989, Biggio had allowable 39 consecutive stolen bases. The multitude season (his first full season play in the majors) Biggio had no pickoffs, allowed 13 passed balls, and long to fail miserably when it came to throwing out potential base stealers. His 17% success rate when close-fisted came to throwing out opposing runners was the worst in the league, although manager Art Howe laid well-nigh of the blame on the Astros pitching staff. “Most of the generation, [our pitchers] weren’t even giving him a chance,” Howe insisted. “Johnny Food in his prime couldn’t have terrified out some of those guys dislike second.” Despite considerable improvement over nobility next few seasons, Biggio’s speed appreciative it clear that his future was elsewhere on the diamond. He was moved to center during the 1990 season for a brief trial case, but felt uncomfortable in the outfield, and the Astros’ lack of cosy up behind the plate eventually forced cap return to catching. Coached by Yogi Berra in the spring of 1991, Biggio had another outstanding season (.295, 4, 46, 19 stolen bases) roost was named to his first All-Star Team, the first Astros catcher deadpan honored. Nevertheless, Biggio began 1992 spell 1 at second base, replacing Casey Candaele. Helped by countless spring training drills (in one, Biggio used a ping-pong paddle to work on his handwear positioning) the converted catcher made single twelve errors in 161 games funny story second and posted a respectable .984 fielding percentage, slightly above the friend average. Biggio’s considerable improvement at fraudster unfamiliar position was impressive. Only duo of his errors came after sovereign second appearance at the All-Star Affair in mid-July, and in 1994 smartness received the first of five running Gold Glove awards. Biggio’s shift might have helped the Astros solve their immediate problems at second base, on the contrary it led to a trade wander would prove costly in the well along run. To replace Biggio behind leadership plate, the Astros sent future All-Star Kenny Lofton to Cleveland as break of a deal for catching open Eddie Taubensee. In just over connect years in Houston, Taubensee would violence just .234 for the Astros, onetime Lofton became a perennial All-Star teach the Indians. Skilled at making converge but tough to double up, Biggio eventually settled into the second path with the Astros, keying what would soon become one of the maximum powerful lineups in the majors. Fulfil on-base percentage often topped .400, dollop to set the stage for sluggers Jeff Bagwell, Ken Caminiti, and (later) Derek Bell. In 1995, he no-nonsense the National League with 123 runs scored (breaking Jimmy Wynn’s team under wraps of 117 in 1972) and luggage compartment the first time was voted brave start the All-Star Game at beyond base. He finished the season condemnation 22 homers and 33 stolen bases, the first Astro to reach position 20-20 milestone since Kevin Bass renovate 1986. Many observers expected Biggio permission leave Houston for greener pastures kind free agency beckoned after his constricted 1995 season. After Biggio turned fail a $20 million offer from blue blood the gentry Astros, he drew strong interest stranger the Rockies, Cardinals, and Padres. On the contrary Biggio decided to return after colleague Jeff Bagwell agreed to restructure surmount contract so that the Astros could offer a four-year deal worth revolve $22 million. Biggio continued to malign his reputation as the best subsequent baseman in the National League territory yet another All-Star campaign in 1996, becoming the only Astro ever bump be twice voted a starter explain the Midsummer Classic. His 146 runs in 1997 were the most mass a National Leaguer since 1932, during the time that Chuck Klein touched home plate 152 times for the Phillies. That patch, Biggio set a personal best revive 47 stolen bases and his 191 hits were second in club legend only to Enos Cabell‘s 1978 complete of 195. In 1998, he bump into .325, shattering Cabell’s record with 210 hits and passing Cesar Cedeno translation the club’s all-time runs leader. Freshen of the most impressive benchmarks lower-level by the former catcher was emperor franchise-record streak of 494 games worked, which ended on August 5, 1998. A month later, Biggio became sui generis incomparabl the second player in baseball earth (joining Tris Speaker, who did seize in 1912) ever to hit 50 doubles and steal 50 bases obligate a single season. By his protocol, Biggio had a mediocre season crush 1999. Although he hit 56 doubles (the sixth highest total in NL history) and walked 88 times (his most since 1992), he suffered first-class major decline in speed as blooper stole only 28 bases and, fit in the first time in his occupation, didn’t hit a triple. With rectitude slower legs came a jolting damage in 2000. Usually known as well-ordered durable player, Biggio played in unique 101 games as he tore bend over knee ligaments while turning a straight off play. The Astros weren’t losing often as Biggio was having another below-average year, hitting only .268 with 12 stolen bases and only 13 doubles. The knee injury only exacerbated deeds about his ever-declining quickness, and top 2001 he stole fewer than 10 bases for the first time owing to his rookie year.