Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Craig Biggio was one of those players who just embraced being able to play the game at its highest level. He came into the league as a highly-touted catching prospect and made seamless transitions to other positions. He gave Astros fans his all for 20 years, and they loved him back. Here are 12 moments that showed why he deserved that plaque in Cooperstown alongside his fellow Killer B, Jeff Bagwell, who joined him two years later.
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3,060 Hits: Biggio Joins the 3,000 Club
Ironically, Craig Biggio wasn’t even safe on hit No. 3,000. He hit a ball into the gap and tried to leg out a double, but he was tagged out by an almost apologetic Troy Tulowitzki. Still, they had the celebration right there at second base. Perhaps Biggio wanted to be standing right where he usually played when reaching that mark. He added two more hits on a five-hit day, making sure he was securely in 3K territory.
Seven-Time All-Star—And Not Just for the Free Hat
Biggio earned seven All-Star nods, each a testament to his relentless hustle and the respect he commanded from fans and peers alike. He belonged there.
Four Gold Gloves: Biggio’s Secret Weapon Was His Glove
Biggio was far from a one-dimensional player. He added four Gold Gloves to his trophy case, all earned at second base as a reward for countless diving stops, lightning-quick pivots, and turning double plays look easy.
Five Silver Sluggers—At Two Demanding Positions
How many players win Silver Sluggers as a catcher, then win four more as a second baseman? Biggio did it, racking up five of those shiny bats at two of the most demanding spots on the diamond. The man could play wherever his manager put him on the lineup card.
Leading the National League in Doubles—Twice!
Biggio was a doubles machine, leading the National League in two different seasons (1998 and 1999). He always wanted to go for two, which explains what happened with hit No. 3,000.
Becoming MLB’s Modern Hit-By-Pitch King (285 Times!)
Biggio gave no quarter at the plate, earning more bruises than some football players. He was plunked 285 times, the most in modern MLB history (since 1900). He wanted to get on base any way possible.
Joining an Exclusive Club: 600 Doubles, 250 Homers, and 400 Steals
Check the record books: Biggio is part of an exclusive club of players with at least 600 doubles, 250 homers, and 400 stolen bases. It’s a testament to his unique blend of power, speed, and longevity.
Racking Up 53 Leadoff Home Runs for the Astros
Biggio turned leading off into an event, blasting 53 first-inning home runs for Houston. He’s currently fourth on the all-time leadoff homer list, though Mookie Betts is breathing down his neck at the time of this writing.
Switching From Catcher to Second Base—And Becoming an All-Star
Most players switch positions to hang on. Biggio switched from catcher to second base to preserve his body and take advantage of his athleticism. It worked; he promptly became a perennial All-Star. It was like trading in a mask for a golden ticket.
Scoring 100+ Runs in Eight Seasons
Biggio scored at least 100 runs in eight different seasons, a streak built on speed, smarts, and hustle that showed he was always focused on helping the Astros win. He set the table and often cleared it himself.
Houston’s All-Time Leader in Games Played
2,850 games. One team. No trades, no drama—just two decades of loyalty. Biggio is Houston’s Ironman, holding the franchise record for most games played, at-bats, hits, runs, and doubles.
Astros’ First Hall of Famer—Legend Cemented in Cooperstown
When Biggio finally made it to Cooperstown, he did it as the first player ever to wear an Astros cap on his Hall of Fame plaque. Bagwell would be second. His speech made every Houstonian proud.