Craig Biggio UNCOVERED! : Houston Indymedia

I'd love to discuss this ignorant piece of writing. Please email me, or call me at your earliest convenience.

Chuck Alben
631-219-2443

Whoever started this page is obviously clueless as to who Craig Biggio really is. He is a perfect role model and a tremendous team player. 1st ballot hall of famer. I agree, this is an ignorant website.

Sounds like a bit of jealousy going on here. MLB needs more players like Craig Biggio, who at 40 years old is still playing the game as hard as he did as a rookie. With all the money hungry, non team playing, steroid using, hot dogging players out there tarnishing the great game, future Hall Of Famer Craig Biggio is the last guy anyone should be knocking.

this is the dumbest damn thing i have ever read...why dont you start a website like BARRY BONDS SUCKS of "I SUCK"...that way you could bash on people who poison the game instead of writing blasphomy about a man who glorifies the game for what it is...nobody cares about that second rate catcher who would still only have coached his son's little league baseball team...get a grip

Do you have any proof? It appears that your website listed above is either not working or been taken down. If it has been taken down, then you probably don't have any proof; otherwise, you would have provided it.

There are no free rides in the major leagues! Biggio plays the game very hard and he is very good at it! He would have made it to the Show using any route!

I have made one call to try to contact you at the number listed above. If you would please e-mail me or call when convient for you Thanks

This is the most off the wall thing I have ever read, and I truely hope Craig sues you for this one. Who are you anyway? Probably some washed-out high school or college player that was no where near as good as Craig so you decide to bash him instead of tearing yourself a new ass for being an idiot. I wonder if you have a life?

You have no idea what you are talking about, you ignorant son of a bitch. Craig Biggio is the perfect role model, something you would never understand. He is not trying to promote being rich and famous, only a good player, with good sportmanship. There's who Craig Biggio really is.

You seem to have way too much time on your hands and some crazy grudge you are holding if you are trying to take it out on Craig Biggio for some reason. Why don't you go dig up dirt on some drug enduced baby making athlete that can't spell his own name!
Do you really think that Craig wouldn't have made it to the majors if he hadn't gone to that college? You are pretty delusional! Good luck in your life...it sounds like you are going to need it!

I agree wholeheartedly. This guy has cheater written all over him. He use arm protection in order to crowd the plate which aids his hitting tremendously. I also strongly suspect he is using some form of performance enhancer since he is 40 YEARS OLD and still playing like he's thirty. Bonds is 40 and he's out of gas. Doesn't matter as the guy has been a stiff in the playoffs so he's still a bum regardless whether he reaches 3000 hits!

Maybe this explains why Craig donates to the Sunshine Kids. A little guilt goes a long way. He has always been an overrated player and I can't stand overrated players. Especially when it's somebody like him. Mr. Congeniality always trying to save face. Hey Craig, what's with the fake dirty shirt business? You know other players get dirty too.

Look, bottom line, this guy is the ultimate gamer. I've had the opportunity to meet him before. I can understand how he might rub people the wrong way. He was nice but really quiet. Maybe he's just not a people's person. He might just be arrogant. I don't know. Maybe he just had a 27 year old fan like myself act like an 8 year old meeting him. I see how he looks at the kids. It's alot different. I grew up watching the guy and he plays the game like it should be played. He might not be the nicest guy or the cheeriest person but that shouldn't detriment from his personal achivements. Regardless, the best damn 2B to come around in some time.

How can anyone who is a true fan of baseball, regardless of team allegiance ever attack Craig Biggio? I've been watching him play since I was ten years old; I wore the number seven in little league because of him. He has been my childhood hero for 17 years and I've NEVER been disappointed. I've had the opportunity to meet him both as a child and an adult. I've met him at the ballpark and out in public. The man has never been anything but a humble, reserved, and gracious patriarch of the greatest game the world has ever seen. He's great to the fans, he's great to his peers, and he's great to the Astros and the city of Houston. He's never been more than a team player. You never hear of him in trouble with the law, the team, or on the homefront. He plays the game the way he should play it: as hard as he can everyday because he LOVES the game. In this time of turmoil for MLB with scandals and controversies, tainted records and astricks, Craig Biggio is exactly what the game needs: he is a straight arrow team player who plays for something bigger than himself. I'm sorry you don't see this. I'm sorry that you harbor some 20 year old meaningless grudge. Regardless of whatever justification you believe you have to attack someone who has meant so much to this game, you are a fool and no doubt a liar. And the funny thing is, you're not making Craig Biggio look bad; you're making yourself look like a complete jackass with nothing better to do with your pathetic meaningless life than waste away bent on defaming one of the last great champions of the great American Pastime. May God have mercy on you're soul, fella. I hope Craig Biggio won't.
ENVY THE LAND THAT HAS HEROS... BUT I SAY PITY THE LAND THAT NEEDS THEM. Here in Texas, we got Craig Biggio. You don't get much better than that!

Umm, try again pal. He's failed at every opportunity to become a true champion.

"but Biggio is easily the best second baseman in recent memory."

Who was the best second baseman of the nineties? Alomar
Who had the better regular season career due to longevity? Biggio

Biggio having a longer career which allows him to accumulate more numbers does not equate to him being a better second baseman than another who was superior in nearly every aspect of the game. Even statistically the case could still be made for Alomar being the superior player. Alomar has the higher career AVG, OBP, SLG, WARP3, has many more gold gloves, performed much better in the postseason with two rings. The only metric which shows Biggio as better is winshares which incorporates HBP into the formula. HBP helped to inflate Biggio's OBP while being an unreliable baseball skill. How many HBP's did Biggio accumulate in the postseason? Actually, let's review a more reliable baseball skill. How many SB's did Biggio accumulate in the postseason?

Biggio was more adept than Alomar at accumulating stats in the regular season, but when you view both player's accomplishments in the postseason you'll get a better idea at where the two stand in relative terms according to actual ability.

Here's a link which shows the list of the greatest secondbasemen based on metrics superior to the winshare system:
ht tp://http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com/bullpen/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=32

I am a few years younger than Craig Biggio. I also went to Kings Park HS and was captain of the baseball team there. I never heard of anything of the sort!!!! I cant't believe that the proctor of the SAT exam (Bogenshutz) would do that either. He was my JV coach when I played and he seemed like a very "on the level" type of guy! Nevertheless, Biggio has done nothing but good things for Kings Park HS as well as baseball. Like one other person mentions in his response, "baseball could use more players like Biggio"!

Cheeting on S.A.T. exams is nothing new and happens a lot. I agree that it is unfair to those athletes that actually take school seriously and sometimes do lose spots in college programs when this happens. Has Craig Biggio responded to these allegations? Maybe someone should subpeona his S.A,T scores and see if he actually did take them more than once and what those scores really were. If the first score is much lower than his other(s) than this allegation may hold weight.

hahaha You guys are pretty silly for turning this into a serious discussion. Oh well, it made for a good read! lol

This "article" was written by the SAT Proctor, himself?

This is probably true.
Why would you "fan-atics" try so hard to deny it?
Will you also deny (to yourselves) that Biggio also has a drinking problem and was busted for a DWI in Houston 8 or 9 years ago after a game?
I guess you just "CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

Thank god there are people out there willing to take on the "heavy hitters" and "SPEAK OUT" against false idols!

Hey, what ever happened to the "second commandment" anyway?

I cannot believe what was posted here nor can I understand the motivation behind it - some 20+ years later.

I graduated from Kings Park HS with Craig in 1984. I played JV baseball for Mr. Bogenshutz "Mr. B" and Varsity ball for "J.R.". Craig and I were teammates at that time and we even played a little travel ball together as younger kids. We took the same SAT's and shared many of the same teachers and classes. In all of that time, I never once heard of nor witnessed any cheating. Furthermore, Mr. B was a good teacher, mentor, and coach. He was a stand up guy. I find it hard to believe that he participated in such a scheme.

It was truly a pleasure and great fun to have played with Craig and watch him compete. He could do so many things with such ease that it was obvious a pro career was in his future. I can remember back to the 6th grade when I told my father that we would see Craig in the majors one day. Little did I know how prophetic that was. But I did know this…he didn’t need a D1 scholarship to make it happen. Pro scouts were well aware of his talents long before it was time to declare. There was no doubt that he was going onward and upward with or without it. As for leaving school early, well that is common practice for gifted athletes. And it was his prerogative to do so and not our right to judge it.

There is however one thing that we can all agree on. There is no perfect athlete or perfect person. I am certain that all of us have moments in our past that we would love to do over again. Unfortunately we can’t turn the clock back. No doubt the many children Craig and his wife have helped over the years are thankful, appreciative, and never once thought about their motivation.

I am proud to share my memories of Craig with my son and daughter and I am happy that they see him as someone to look up to. MLB really does need more people like him.

I graduated KPHS in 1984 also and I saw personally many instances where Craig was treated special and had special priveleges. In fact, I never saw him study or have to worry about grades at all.

I think Craig turned out to be a fine ballplayer, but he did have the red carpet treatment his whole life. You know, watching the Astros give him all that playing time to reach 3000 and then benching him afterwards is reminiscent of his treatment way back then. I guess the author has a point when saying that It is all about Biggio, we just witnessed it AGAIN!

(KPAB) Kings Parkers Against Biggio

Seems that the word is getting around Kings Park about Biggio and this article, and it's time I added my two cents.

The guy IS a bum!
I watched every grade in every class become a passing grade no matter how bad he did. I don't doubt for a second that they did this for him on the SAT's.
Isn't cheating on federally run examinations a FELONY?

Nonetheless, here is why I've ALWAYS hated Craig Biggio.
I was on the school wrestling team between '82-'84. I wasn't the best wrestler in the school and never made it to Varsity, but I liked it and always worked hard at it. To make Varsity you had to wrestle-off every guy better than you in that weight class before having a chance at the Varsity wrestler. I must have tried 10-15 times to make Varsity and just could not make it all the way to the top.
Then one day, out of the blue, Craig Biggio decided he wanted to see if he was "the greatest wrestler of all time" (like he and they thought he was at everything).
Well, Craig Biggio, was "given the opportunity" and special privelege once again to skip wrestling-off all the other guys in the weight class first, and was given a shot at the title for Varsity right off the bat!
Talk about special treatment!
Needless to say he got has ass whooped. HA HA Craig!
But it gets worse.
Instead of being a GREAT athlete (like everybody thinks) and starting from scratch, training and learning, working his way to the top and beat that guy on Varsity, guess what Mr. Hall-Of-Shame did......
HE QUIT!
Just walked out and never came back.
After all the red-carpet treatment, he just poo-poo'ed the whole thing!
That's the day I knew he was A QUITTER!
Some GREAT athlete, huh?

Call me jealous, I don't care, this IS WHAT HAPPENED!

Funny, President Bush says "No child left behind" yet he publicly praises Biggio for playing a sport, yet who kept somebody from getting a scholarship at Seton Hall University.
What about THAT child Mr. President?

The author is right...
CRAIG BIGGIO IS NO HERO OR ROLE MODEL!

You people are a disgrace. Craig Biggio is involved in the Sunshine Kids because his next door neighbor back in Kings Park died of Leukemia and it impacted his life forever. Craig and his wife have done so much for the houston community and it is really sad that any of you have the time or energy to try and bring him down. You're bringing up things from when you were 17 yrs old??? Have we not all made mistakes? Life is a learning process, and to sit here 20+ yrs later complaining about a wrestling mtch or favorable treatment???????? Its pathetic. Do yourself a favor and watch his retirement press conference. Listen to him speak of the "game," his wife, his family...he is as humble as they come. He devoted his entire career to Houston. He changed positions and always had the best interests of the team in mind. IF you listen to his peers speak of him it is quite evident the respect they have for him.
He was a recipient of the Branch Rickey Award and is up for the Roberto Clemente award this season. Before you go and judge someone else go look in the mirror you cowards.
How much have you all done for your community? He plays the game the right way, and it has been a pleasure to watch his amazing career. There is a reason he doesn't come back to KP...because of the ignorant "townies" that run that town and its school district.

Not with Biggio, but with Bawell...although I kind of consider them on in the same. I saw Bags in a liquor store buying a bottle of wine. Not really knowing what to say I just slapped him on back on may way out and said "Good luck this year". I continued to walk out the door without really looking back.

He not only acknowledged what I said but came over, stopped me and said "Hey Thanks, and I really mean that." I'm not some kid or some hot chic...just a dude about his age. And he still took the time to make sure that I understood that he appreciated the words.

People tell me that Biggio is the same way.

Posted by: Ag92 at June 29, 2007 11:34 AM

I was at the Astrodome for his first game; I was only in junior high. He threw out two runners, finagled his way out of a rundown between 1st and 2nd and to boot, I got his autograph. I think everyone in attendance knew he was going to be something special. I tell you what, he doesn't look much different than he did 20 years ago. Best catcher-second baseman-outfielder ever.

Posted by: MOe at June 29, 2007 11:51 AM

I happened to brush with Biggio at the Hunter's Extravaganza show back around 2000 when he was on crutches and recovering from his knee injury. I asked him if I could shake his hand and he obliged. I told him we were big Astros fans and were pulling for him in his recovery and that we wanted to see him back out there and lead us into our first World Series.

Posted by: Billy at June 29, 2007 12:16 PM

I remember when he got Larry Dierker fired and this paper whitewashed it.

Posted by: steve at June 29, 2007 12:36 PM

BGO moment
Went to spring hoping to get autographics and was disappointed. Last Saturday we went to Arlington to watch the Astros. BGO is signing autographs. My daughters, including a 14 year old that has followed him as long as I can remember, presented him a ball to sign. He signed the ball, signed my other daughters hat, and then gave us a moment. My daughter asked if he would look up at mom to take a picture. He says, "Where's mom?" He then gives a huge smile and we get a picture we will hang in our new media room until the day we give it to my 14 year old. She has a special moment to share and we won't ever forget it. All I can say is thanks and congratulations on 3000

Posted by: Terry at June 29, 2007 12:40 PM

When I was 10 years old in 1991 or 1992 my buddy and I were at a car show in the astro arena watching a Vans skate boarding exhibition and guess who comes and sits in the stands right behind us. It was Biggio and he was not alone, he was with Bags, Cammy, and some other dude. It was really strange because there was nobody in the stands and they sat right behind us. Biggio was even looking out for the kids back then because Cammy and some guy were cussing real loud and Biggio told them to keep it down. We eventually and nervously asked them to sign our caps and they did. I will never forget that moment.

Posted by: Brian at June 29, 2007 12:44 PM

I've never met Biggio, but he is a player I'll never forget. I'll never forget the way he played the game and his willingness to give up his body to make the play. I used to get excited when he came to the plate when the game was on the line because I knew he would do whatever he needed to do to make a play, including leaning into a pitch and getting hit. His a tough, scrappy player and I've always admired him for that.

Posted by: DW at June 29, 2007 12:50 PM

This was the best possible script that could have been written, and it actually happened. I applaude craig for bringing bagwell out there, and we will be lucky to EVER have another player of his talent, will, determination, and flat out love for playing the game "The Right Way"

it is sad to see his career coming to an end, but seeing him and bags out there INSIDE the lines together for one last time was truly remarkable, and it is something that i will NEVER forget.

Thank you so much craig, as you have been a HUGE influence in many lives including my own.

You are the defintion of class.

Posted by: Allen at June 29, 2007 01:05 PM

I ran into Biggio during one of his knee rehab sessions, I too was rehabbing a knee. There wasn't really anytime for conversation since we both had plenty of work to do, but he was as encouraging as anyone could ask for in the same situation.

Posted by: Bryant at June 29, 2007 01:26 PM

My brush with Biggio -- I was seated in the Crawford boxes, and at this particular game, he was playing left field.

He's making his way on the field. My heart is all-a-flutter, I start getting a little giddy (well, ok, a lot giddy) - there he is ... I stand up proudly in my #7 jersey and start waving, hoping of course that he sees me, his good friend (yeah, right!)

All of a sudden, he looks up, sees me waving and he gives me the head-bob ... like "what'sup?" -- he saw me ... me -- and he head-bobbed me!! Couldn't tell you the outcome of that game - I just knew I was forever in love.

Congrats! on your success and thank you for your heart, soul and determination.

Stay safe, continue to play hard and consider yourself head-bobbed!

OK loves the Astros! and Craig BGO!!
Love, a true fan...

Posted by: SMD at June 29, 2007 01:49 PM

Back in the mid 90s when I was about 12 or 13, I went to a game at the Dome. My friend and I would always congregate after games at the players parking lot, hoping for autographs from the players as they left. Two situations really deterred players from signing: extra innings and losing. This night, we had both. The Astros lost in 11 to the Mets (I think) because in the top of the 11th, Craig made a bad throw to first with 2 outs, allowing a runner who had been on third to score. When the game ended, my friend and I sprinted to the parking lot, hoping that maybe we could get someone to sign. The players slowly came out of the clubhouse, got in their cars, and would drive away with a wave. By this point, it was about midnight and we were about to give up. But then, Craig came out and got in his big pickup truck. He drove up to where we were, stopped, and looked out at us as we screamed his name. He hopped out of his truck and signed everything he could grab (for me, he signed a baseball card from his rookie year). About 15 or 20 minutes later, he went to get in his truck. Everyone around thanked him for making our night; he turned to us and said very emotionally "No, thank you." and drove off.

Bidge is nothing but a class act. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face the whole night when he got not only #3000 but #3002 as well to help lead us to the win. Thank you Craig for everything you have meant to this city. You have been a player and a man that I have had the privilege to grow up idolizing. You've always done everything the right way, whether in life or how you play the game. Thank you Craig.

Posted by: Russell at June 29, 2007 01:57 PM

Biggio the Total Class Act:

We were sitting in the expensive seats in red behind home plate in 1998 I believe. It was Braves vs Astros and in the 8th inning Brad Ausmus hit a foul ball straight up almost. It's real hard to judge fouls that close to the field and the ball landed on the head of one of the 3 young men attending the game with me. The game stopped as we checked him out and I saw Craig just outside the dugout with a baseball in his hand staring at us.

The 12 year old hit by the ball was OK but the Astrodome guys took us up to a doctor's office on the 4th floor. It was the 8th inning. As we went up the aisle, Patti Biggio stopped me and said that Craig would sign a ball for us after the game. That's what he meant when he was signaling. She said to just meet them at the clubhouse after the game.

After the doctor checked out Hunter and he was fine, the game was over and someone escorted us the back way to the Astros Dressing Room. We went in where we really weren't supposed to be. Moises Alou was there with his family, Bagwell said hi and Derek Bell waved as he left.

Craig emerged from the elevator and was fantastic in signing a ball and shaking hands with the whole group. He didn't have to do this and he wasn't even involved in the play.

Now it would really be a great story if I told you that the boy that was hit had Pence as a last name, but...

Posted by: Custer Rushmore at June 29, 2007 01:58 PM

I met him at his first big league spring training, late '80's. I was 13 or 14 and he was just a kid with a funny name playing catcher. He signed a ball for me. It was emotional watching the game last night, because he, along with my Dad, are the guys that helped to infuse a love of the game in me. I couldn't play a lick, but watching that guy for the last twenty years has been one of the greatest reasons I have for following the game so closely. It will be hard to see him go, as I do not remember the game of baseball without Biggio in it. I'm proud to say I am an Astros fan because of what he represents to the game, the franchise and the city, even during a season such as this. Last night was our World Series game.

Posted by: Fry at June 29, 2007 02:25 PM

I wrote this on RJ's blog the other day, but here goes...

My enduring memory of Biggio was when the aforementioned columnist did an incredibly nice thing and made contact with the Astros on my behalf to see if a life long fan in his last years could meet some of his Astros heroes during a homestand. Long story short, we made plans to meet the team chancellor that afternoon- met Deirker, Milo, Ashby and the men themselves, Bagwell and Biggio. Biggio's college coach from NJ was there as well. Bags and Biggio each took pictures with my Grandpa and I'll never forget that I was about to snap a picture of Biggio and Grandpa when he insisted that my Grandma take his other side. That photo hangs in their home in Tyler where they have listened to the games on AM radio forever.

I'd always heard of how gracious and nice he was, but that cemented his legacy for me and my family. I still get chills thinking about it. But I want to make one thing clear- it starts with the owner Drayton McClane and filters down through the organization. He didn't have to do what he did for my family that day, but he did and we'll be fans forever because of it.

I welled up when he got his milestone last night and I promise you that a 96 year old Astros fan in Tyler who has one of the all-time great poker faces, did too. We've been truly honored to watch him play, and have him as one of our own.

Posted by: JSR in ATX at June 29, 2007 02:36 PM

I wrote this on RJ's blog the other day, but here goes...

My enduring memory of Biggio was when the aforementioned columnist did an incredibly nice thing and made contact with the Astros on my behalf to see if a life long fan in his last years could meet some of his Astros heroes during a homestand. Long story short, we made plans to meet the team chancellor that afternoon- met Deirker, Milo, Ashby and the men themselves, Bagwell and Biggio. Biggio's college coach from NJ was there as well. Bags and Biggio each took pictures with my Grandpa and I'll never forget that I was about to snap a picture of Biggio and Grandpa when he insisted that my Grandma take his other side. That photo hangs in their home in Tyler where they have listened to the games on AM radio forever.

I'd always heard of how gracious and nice he was, but that cemented his legacy for me and my family. I still get chills thinking about it. But I want to make one thing clear- it starts with the owner Drayton McClane and filters down through the organization. He didn't have to do what he did for my family that day, but he did and we'll be fans forever because of it.

I welled up when he got his milestone last night and I promise you that a 96 year old Astros fan in Tyler who has one of the all-time great poker faces, did too. We've been truly honored to watch him play, and have him as one of our own.

Posted by: JSR in ATX at June 29, 2007 02:36 PM

High profile players are often assailed for their surliness with fans, media, management or fellow players.

Over the past few years here in Boston, during periods of speculation over whether Roger Clemens would come back to Boston, fans on sports talk radio would take up sides on what kind of person Clemens is. Some would relay stories knocking him for some perceived slight on a request for an autograph or some such thing.

Just as many calles relayed stories of his graciousness in similar circumstances. (Of course there are some extreme cases that come to mind of players who consistently exhibit indefensible behavior. A certain San Franciso Giants player comes to mind.)

The radio hosts would often remind griping callers that players like Clemens and Biggio, with huge demands on their time and attention, had engaged in countless charitable acts that would never be known publicly and that no public figure is perfect. Airing long held gripes was not going to be given much attention on their airwaves.

Certainly, the Clemens and Biggios of the world have their moments of less than flattering behavior. It comes with the territory of competing intensely at a high level in the public eye.

But, with the accomplishments of Craig Biggio, fans must keep clubhouse politics and human behavior in perspective.

It is the performance on the field and the overall exhibiting of service to others over a long period of time while in the public eye that counts. It is this and this alone by which they should be judged, in my opinion.

Let's let the stories of petty jealousies and temper tantrums go. At the end of the day, it's not worth the energy and attention we tend to give it.

So, Craig Biggio, thanks for playing the game the right way, for exhibiting uncommon loyalty and for serving others so well.

We'll see you in Cooperstown.

Posted by: THardey at June 29, 2007 02:42 PM

Biggio is a man, a father, a husband, and a really good baseball player. He is NOT however a saint, he "is what he is"...as Roger would say. Sometimes we lose sight of the real world, when we are in the presence of a famous person. Let us all relish in a great game, a great team, and a great city! Go 'Stros!!!

Posted by: b2too at June 29, 2007 02:45 PM

My daughter has been a Sunshine Kid for about 10 years now so I have seen the scene you described at the Golf Tournament time and time again over the years. Craig is always worried about the kids, always there with a kind word or words of encouragement. Everytime there is an event at the Sunshine Kids house there may be 100 kids there having a good time but they are also anxiously awaiting Craig and Patti's arrival. As soon as they walk through the door the faces light up and the smiles come out.

As Sunshine Kids Families we feel a little "ownership" with Craig and Patti both...but we'll gladly share today. I'm not embarrassed to admit that my eyes welled up when I saw them out there and the joy on their faces when he got the hit. I think there were probably Sunshine Kids families all over the country doing the same thing. I can't say enough about him and he deserves every good thing that can happen.

It's was also great to see Patti and the kids out there too. Baseball, family and kids...that's what Craig is all about and it was as fitting to see that as it was to see him trying to stretch his "big hit" into a double.

Posted by: mike at June 29, 2007 03:33 PM

My experience with B-G-O was one I was about 11 years old. My family and I would attend games at the Astrodome and afterwards stick around for autographs. I can remember a few players stopping to sign autographs and then depart but Biggio and Bagwell always took the time to acknowledge every fan out there no matter how long it took.

Posted by: alex at June 29, 2007 03:52 PM

My Bidge moment:
When I was 13 years old in 1990, I was able to meet Craig Biggio before a game in the Astrodome. He was very kind to my sister and me and talked and posed for numerous pictures. At the time, I was a HUGE Bill Doran fan (still am, he is a coach with the Royals). The day happened to be Billy D.'s birthday and I nervously asked Biggio if he would give Billy D. a birthday card I had brought. He told me "Sweetheart if you turn around you can give it to him yourself". I got lost in the moment and ran to Billy Doran. Later, that year Bill Doran was traded and Biggio took his place at 2nd base. I cried for hours when Bill Doran was traded, but I now see how lucky we were. I never told Biggio thank you for talking to me and introducing me to Bill Doran. I am still looking for that chance! So, Mr. Biggio, if you read this thank you for the memories! That picture is on my Astros shelf in my 4th grade classroom at Danbury Elementary. You have a whole different generation of fans now, but I am proud to be one of your first big fans!

Posted by: Wendi at June 29, 2007 08:08 PM

My ex-girlfriend was absolutely in love with Craig Biggio. On Valentine's Day 2003, we were having dinner at Pappasito's on Richmond when who walks into the restaurant bar but Bidge himself. My girlfriend decided that it might be the only chance she ever got to see him up close and personal, so she practically ran over to the bar and started telling Craig how much she loved him and thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Bidge took it well - got a little red in the face, gave her an autograph and talked for a few minutes. It stunk for me though because after gifts of jewelry and flowers, and dinner at a nice restaurant, all I got was to listen to for the rest of the night was "how hot Craig Biggio is in person."

Posted by: Sleepy Owl at June 29, 2007 09:17 PM

My memory of Biggio goes back to 1995. My brother and I were in Junior High at the time and he bought the Upper Deck Astros Team Set at the team store. We walked around the outside of the dome and made my mother wait while we waited for the players to go to the team bus. When Craig appeared my brother jumped the security panel and walked over to him and gave him the Biggio card to sign. About that time a Houston cop came up and grabbed my brother and pulled him away. As he was escorting my brother out, Craig walked over and gave the signed card to my brother.

Posted by: Casey H. at June 29, 2007 09:56 PM

I never met Biggio but feel I know him. He has been the man who made us Astros fans for life. I first went to games when they were the Colt 45's but I was happy to enter into the modern world of baseball. Thanks for all you have done Craig to make the world a better place. I was there for 3000 and I will be there when time and circumstance force you to hang it up for good. I am making my reservations to be in Cooperstown when you enter the HOF on the first ballot.

Posted by: c cuccia at June 29, 2007 11:35 PM

My son was playing in a middle school baseball game against a team that had one of Biggio's sons on it. Craig was in attendance at that game and sat on a bucket outside of their dugout helping to coach. My son's team beat them pretty soundly that afternoon and after the game when everyone was gathering up their gear and heading to the parking lot, I watched Craig as he started to leave. He could have easily left out of the gate on their side of the field, but he stopped and turned around to leave out of the gate on our side so he could walk past our dugout and congratulate our kids on a game well played. It made an impression not only me, but on every one of the kids in that dugout. That's just the type of person he is.

Congrats Craig on your big night. Well deserved!

Posted by: Jim at June 30, 2007 12:10 AM

I worked for the Astros in 1994 while finishing my degree at UH. One of my duties was to escort kids (usually contest winners) on the field during batting practice. One game I had two kids with me and they were beside themselves with excitement. I never had a problem getting any Astro to stop and talk, but Biggio and Bagwell spent several minutes engaging with the kids thanking them for coming to the game, signing autographs, and giving their most precious asset, time. Spending time with the fans and thanking them was something I never saw Biggio or Bagwell take for granted. The same could be said for Gonzo, Finley, Drabek, and Eusebio among others.

At the last game before the strike in '94, Biggio came up to me while I was on the field and asked, "Are you going to be okay?". I told him I was sure I would be laid off the next day (I was laid off the next week, but it was made retroactive to the first day of the strike. Drayton really needed that $175!), but I had something else lined up. He said, "I'm sorry you got caught up in this mess." I don't know if he would have done anything if I had told him I wasn't alright, but that doesn't matter. It was nice that he acknowledged the stress it put on those behind the scenes.

I hope one day that my 4 year old son will have the opportunity to see a Hall of Famer play his entire career for his Houston Astros. I have had the pleasure of witnessing two.

Posted by: wheels at June 30, 2007 09:21 AM

A friend of mine used to have diamond leve season tickets through his company back in the Dome years.

Every once in a while he'd offer me a ticket and I always took him up on it.

I used to take some kind of short cut down there. But one time I think I took a wrong turn. Anyway, I ended up walking all the way around the Dome but at its lowest level, same level as the Diamond level entrance. There was nobody down there so I immediately realized I was probably in a restricted area.

So I kept walking, figuring I'd get to the Diamond section eventually.

I'm walking at a quick pace because I'm only maybe 20 minutes early and wanted to get something to eat and settle into my seat for first pitch.

I'm walking along a real narrow hallway now and I think there was Astroturf on the floor, when all of a sudden I almost run into someone. I look up and it's Craig Biggio, in full uniform. I think he was heading to the dugout to take the field. We both startled each other, stepped back and stared at each other for an instance. I'm sure we both thought the same thing: "What are YOU doing here?"

Biggio hesitated. I think he anticipated a request for an autograph because for an slight instant it looked like he was expecting to be handed a pen.

But I didn't do that. I only asked him "This way to the Diamond level, right?" He said yeah and pointed that direction. I wished him luck and he said thanks.

I don't regret not getting the autograph. I've gotten it several times since then.

The story is better than any autograph. I got a real kick out of that.

Posted by: Armando at June 30, 2007 09:41 AM

I am a Houston native who married a St. Louis girl. One of her young cousins is a St. Louis native who, years ago as a little kid, went to Busch Stadium to see the Cards play the Astros. During the game, Biggio broke his bat and gave it to him. Since then, this guy has been a Biggio and Astros fan, to the point that he called me from his seat in Busch stadium the night the Stros clinched the NLCS to go to the Series. If you know _anything_ about St. Louis and their devotion to the Cardinals, you know how extraordinary it is for the Astros to have a fan there!

I've had brushes with Biggio twice in Houston, both times at restaurants. The first time, he and Caminiti, their wives, and their kids were all eating together. This was in the off-season before Cammy rejoined the team. If you didn't know who they were, they would have appeared to be just normal family guys. After they ate, the two players took all the kids outside to play, letting the two wives stay behind at the table to talk. The second time was in smaller and less formal grill, and CB#7 came in just behind with one son and ate. They talked the whole time and he seemed to genuinely enjoy spending the time with his son. In neither "brush" was I about to interrupt his personal time. But I got a great impression of Biggio as a real person, and as a true family guy.

Posted by: Msquared at June 30, 2007 10:23 AM

Back in 1991 I was 10 years old and got to throw out the first pitch at an Astros game in the Dome. Biggio was still the cathcer. He was such a great guy, very nice, talked to me, signed my ball, rubbed me on the head, and went back to the dugout.

The second time, 10 years later, my dad and I were walking through the tunnels of MM with Mr. McLane right after a big win. The entire Astros team came through to the lockerroom as we were down there. When Biggio walked by he stopped and shook Mr. McLane's hand, then he asked who we were, and shook our hands. I told him about 10 years earlier and the first pitch. He laughed and invited me into the clubhouse. I thanked him but we had to go. So he gave me his batting gloves, patted me on the shoulder and went in to the clubhouse.

He is without a doubt my favorite player of all time, and the greatest Astro ever.

Posted by: Ryan...stuck in Cardinals country at June 30, 2007 11:24 AM

My dear friend, Andrea Shumate lost her battle to Sarcoma Cancer at the age of 24. Guess who called her in the hospital??? Oddly enough, Craig called and asked to speak with Andrea. Her uncle answered the phone and told "him" (not knowing who it was) that the Dr. was in and that it would be a moment. Well, the moment turned into 10 mins. Then her Uncle told the caller that she needed to use the restroom and would then be able to take the call. The moment turned into 15 minutes. When Andrea's uncle asked who was one the other end of the line, (knowing at this point the caller hung up), a voice said Craig Biggio. Andrea started screaming when he uncle informed her that Craig Biggio was on the other end of the phone line. He even called to check on her when she left the hospital at home. Andrea talked about how special it was to have Craig Biggio offer words of support. I got the opportunity to take Andrea's son to batting practice to meet Biggio. Thanks Craig for being there for the Shumate family.
Randi Henson
http://www.run4andrea.com

Posted by: Randi Henson at June 30, 2007 05:53 PM

I meet Biggio at a autograph show sometime in the late 80's ? I remember Bill Doran and Larry Anderson at the same show... My mom also had the same lawyer as Mr.Biggio when he was much younger ...

Posted by: Damian at June 30, 2007 11:45 PM

I think it was Aug. 19 1999 against the Brewers. I had won a Jersey off the back of an Astro after the game. I was lucky and got Bagwell. Everybody else was getting back-up catcher Bako and other bench coaches. Well anyway, I had a pass to go down in the tunnel of the Dome to pick my Jerseu. I then left the group and went down to the dock were the players were getting on a bus to head off for a roadtrip. I saw Cammy who was huge. Jose Cruz dresses cool. Berkman was nice and we talked about a mutuel friend who played at Rice with him. He was really cool. Milo seemed to be looking for someone to notice him. Hampton was so cocky I almost puked. Bags walked by and I told him I won his Jersey and he said cool and kept walking. I looked over at a bench and I saw Bidge, his wife and two blonde hair boys visiting him. I tried not to act like a stupid fan but I couldn't help it. He and his wife were so nice as I kept telling him how great he is. He was awesome and he and his wife tooked the time to listen to my mumblings. Biggio rules! Pooky

Posted by: Pooky at July 1, 2007 04:24 PM

After seeing Craig tons of times at the Dome and Minute Maid over the years, I finally had a minor brush with him outside the lines. I was at the Lowe's off 610 and Beechnut one aternoon last fall. I was in the lawn section looking for some work gloves when I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye. It was none other than Craig Biggio and he was buying one of those tree trimmer poles! Even though it was the middle of the day and no one else was around and I'm sure I could have held a short conversation with him, I decided not to "bother" him. So I go about my business and head to the checkout lane and there was only one open and Craig was in front of me. He made his purchase and headed out, so I asked the checkout girl, "Do you know who that was?" She had no clue. It was just funny to me that even though he has made millions, he obviously had a limb that needed trimming and decided he was going to do it himself! I've seen Craig from time to time at our church, St. Vincent de Paul on Buffalo Spdwy, but it was cool to see him making an "every-man" purchase just like the rest of us!

Posted by: Nineteen to Ten at July 1, 2007 09:56 PM

I had an interesting Brush with Craig Biggio once...
It was during the strike filled 1994 baseball season. I was at a Houston Aeros Hockey game at the (previous Summit...now Lakewood Church Campus) arena. I had gone to the bathroom and was...well taking care of business. No one was in the bathroom except me. Lo and behold...the door opened and Craig Biggio walks in to...(he's only human also).
At the time; it had frustrated me that these multi-millionaire athletes would actually "Strike" from playing a game. Hence, after we both had "done our business" and left the bathroom...(I had a few beers in me); I observed Biggio with his buddy and fellow Astro teammate Ken Camminiti. (Looking back, it was the wrong thing to say). I basically belted out something like this..."Hey Bigg, I really like watching you guys play...When are you guys gonna play some BALL, fellas?"(I am sure most of the fans FELT the same way, but they weren't going to actually SAY IT right to his face). But I...(begrudgingly, in retrospect) did. He kind of just looked at me and smiled ever so slightly. Both he and Cammy looked at me (kind of shocked, I think)...and both shook their heads, and went on.
I could see Biggio's competitive fires in his eyes. I think he wanted to be on the field (but you know the player's union).I remember thinking to myself, "He's MY kind of player." From that day on, I've really liked Craig Biggio. I have all the respect in the world for him. Congrats to him on his milestone 3000 hits. I hope to see him again in the Hall of Fame.

Posted by: KP at July 1, 2007 11:42 PM

I have one. It was 1989 or 1990. I was 12 years old and we had just watched a weekend day game at the dome. My parents decided to let me and my friend stay after and try to get autographs at the player's parking lot entrance. It was pretty crowded and we weren't having much luck. I noticed all of the players would just pull out, and head straight to the nearest gate. I decided to walk about 200-300 yards out towards that gate in hopes they'd stop for 1 autograph seeker as opposed to 100 at the player's parking lot. A few minutes later, an SUV rolls up and I am flagging it down. Who is it? Mr. 3000. Spiked hair, 80's style Oakley's and sporting a huge grin! He says, "this is your lucky day kid". It was, considering he was my new favorite Astro. He signed the baseball I was holding and reached into his center console and pulled out one of his Score rookie cards (he had about 20-30) and signed it too.
He said a few other things to me, but I was so excited, the only line I remember is, "This is your lucky day, kid". I know it's a longshot, but I'd love to know if he remembers that. Maybe you can ask him for me.
Anyway, that 12 year old (me) just turned 30 two weeks ago, and I'm still a huge Astros and Craig Biggio fan.

Posted by: Ross at July 2, 2007 08:25 AM

In the summer of 1990, Mac Haik Chevy sponsored my Little League team, and the Sales Manager there supplied many of the athletes in town vehicles. He had a lot of connections and for our team party he would bring out Larry Anderson, well in 1990 Larry brought a young looking catcher named Craig Biggio. He was extremely nice and let a whole team of 11 year olds pitch to him, over and over again. The ironic part is that he came out with Anderson, who on month later was traded for Jeff Bagwell, and you can't picture Biggio without Bagwell anymore.

Posted by: Brian in Austin at July 2, 2007 09:39 AM

John....You're saying BGO and Bagwell actually drank a few beer? Don't you think that's going to taint their sainthood with a lot of people?

Posted by: Rodger at July 2, 2007 12:35 PM

Biggio has been my favorite player for as long as I can remember. I love the way he plays the game and the respect he shows the game.

A few years ago my parents, my brother, and I were taking a break from riding the rides at Disney World and grabbing a bite to eat. My brother and I had decided to wear our Biggio jersey shirts that day. We are sitting there, eating, and next thing I know I hear this, "Well, how about that" from behind us and we turn around and it is Craig Biggio with Patty and the kids. He was so genuinely nice to us, posing for pictures, and he signed our shirts. My parents made small talk with him and Patty for a few minutes. They were so friendly! I'll never ever forget that moment. I'm not going to lie, it made me want to wear a jersey shirt every where I went after that...just in case.

Posted by: Kara at July 2, 2007 01:33 PM

My brush with Biggio was one that he no doubt wishes never happened. I was a jailer with the Houston Police Department when Biggio got arrested for DWI long ago. I never was a celebrity hound or autograph seeker but I really missed out on getting one from Biggio. Biggio is an ordinary person not one who pushes their celebrity on you unlike some other athletes I had the pleasure of meeting on the job(Caesar Cedeno,Dante Pastorini,and Vernon Maxwell etc.). Biggio was very cooperative and was a good sport during his short stay. I worked twenty years as jailer and of all the celebrities that graced my facility Biggio was my favorite. Biggio obviously learned to be more responsible while drinking. I have been an Astros fan since the 60`s and Biggio ranks in the top five of my favorites along with JR Richard,Jimmy Wynn,Jeff Bagwell and Juaquin Andujar.

Posted by: abbest at July 2, 2007 02:04 PM

I remember Biggio causing a car accident on Route 25A, turning his car into a fellow students car after changing his mind about making a left turn. Somehow the police were never called and Biggio and his dad convinced the other guy to take the blame to help him save face.

I remember the other student being depressed and scared for a long time after.

I was co-captain of the Varsity baseball team with Craig in 1983 and played travel ball with him for many years growing up with his Dad as a coach. I played JV ball for Mr. Bogenshutz and varsity with John Rottkamp (JR). A cousin of my wife married the current varsity coach a while back. I was drinking a few beers with all of our old coaches at the wedding and asked about the SAT's of Biggio. The rumor had been floating around for quite a while in Kings Park circles. These were the Prop 48 years and could have cost Craig freshman eligibility if scoring below 600. I know he scored below 600 the first time and scored over 900 the second time. Mr. B's response was he wasn't saying a word. I took that as an affirmation that he helped him but he certainly never admitted it. Mr. B was and is a great guy, coach and teacher.

BUT - So what? Biggio and his family were excellent people and Craig was and it seems still is a great guy. I never witnessed him getting any more special treatment than the rest of us on varsity sports teams.
The clown who started this thread must be obsessed with Biggio and has some axe to grind because they have no life. Bidge was born to be a major leaguer and would have gotten there one way or the other. Compared to other stories we have heard over the years about athletes, this is nothing. So for all you Biggio Bashers, you should be proud to come from his town and to have known him. He is not a saint but has lived his life in a very admirable way, on and off the field. I don't know anyone who hasn't cheated or taken a shortcut here or there in life. Nobody was hurt by this alleged act and it is over 20 years ago. Get a grip and move on already.

I think its pretty funny how you are writing about sumthing that happened over 20 years ago. Yah maybe he did quit wrestling, so what? Baseball is his thing and stuck to it for 20 years. How can u call him a quitter?

you are just another ignorant person, like the rest of you who think Biggio could ever do this. Hes not in it for the money, or fame. He does it because he likes it, and cares about his fans. He doesnt take drugs, to make him self better as other athletes do. He just plays to play.

MOTHA FUCKING BIGGIO STOLE MY GOD DAMN LUNCH MONEY!!!

Chuck. You're a scam artist too! Didn't you get busted for a felony of issuing fake defensive driving certificates? Runs in the "family", eh?

I was the best baseball player at Kings park High School from 1981 to 1984. Who the Hell is Craig Biggio Anyway???

Hall of shame!

It seems as though there are numerous responses here that corroborate the original allegations (ie, Joe Flynn´s response). The other additional allegations by his classmates and teammates in high school of cheating by Craig is mind blowing. If they are true, I can no longer see Craig Biggio as a role model for anybody, not even his own kids. Even in the majors his cheating is remarkable. The use of body armor and leaning into pitches is enough evidence anyone needs. And now there are allegations of performance enhancing drug use (see http://www.twincities.com/ci_9860625), which includes amphetamines throughout his career. And what about his remarkable comeback from career ending knee surgery in 2000, which happened to be at the same time Clemens and Pettite´s trainer and dug supplier was in Houston. Geeeeeeeeeezzzzzzz! Maybe he should only be credited with 2000 hits, which is when his knee and career should have been over.

Nonetheless, even his career averages and accomplishments are sub-par, to say the least, as HALL-OF-Fame credentials. Compare these to other hall-of-famers, or future hall-of-famers, such as Roberto Alomar.

Lifetime batting average: .281
Average homeruns per season: 15
Average RBI´s per season: 60
Post season batting average: .225
Championship Rings: ZERO
MVP´s: ZERO

As far as fielding and defense, there is a reason why he was moved to 4 or 5 positions. NOT because he was so good at all of them, but because he was so BAD at all of them.
He ended up at second base because he has the worst arm in history, he throws like a freakin´girl, and that was the only logical place to put him to keep him on the field and in the line-up. I cannot even believe he was brought up as a catcher. He couldn´t throw out anybody!

Can you imagine somebody being elected to the hall-of-fame that cannot even THROW A BALL!

I really suppose that the city of Houston was and is just desperate to have somebody to ¨Hang their cowboy hat on!¨ They can have him!

Wow. 20 years later you are still angry? If you were in the SAT room, why didn't say anything then?

I was wondering how Biggio came back so strong from that knee injury. It makes sense to me now. Kaminitti, Clemens, Pettite, Biggio....all teammates in Houston.

School exams, body armor, PED's, politics....all the necessarry ingredients to reach 3000 hits. BUSTED!

Don't kill the messenger...tear down those IDOLS!

Hey, if longevity gets you into the hall of fame then so be it. He only reached 3000 hits because he was there forever. So would my grandmother.

His seasonal averages are mediocre at best.
His post saeson averages and performances are horrible.

Has anybody asked Biggio himself about all these claims?

Here's another one I heard way back then from a guy with the initials P.B.
One of the clauses in Biggio's original Houston contract was that he was obligated to disassociate himself from everyone in Kings Park (Long Island)!
I bet this was because he had so much nefarious help that they were afraid he would face extortion later from those same people.

Man, the stinky trail gets loooooonger!

Pete Rose cheated by gambling, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens by steroid use. They will ALL be denied the Hall-of-Fame for life.

Yet the most prolific CHEATER in baseball history is not being criticized by the sports writers at all???

Craig Biggio is the most prolific CHEATER in Major League Baseball history!

1.) All the ways listed in this above in this article (including entrance exams)

2.) Body Armor

3.) Leaning into pitches

4.) Steroids (for his knee injury...and more?)

5.) Amphetamines (to play harder, and through 162 games)

If Pete Rose is banned for life from the Hall-of-Fame cheating;
If Barry Bonds is banned for life from the Hall-of-Fame for cheating;
If Roger Clemens is banned for life from the Hall-of-Fame cheating;
and the list goes on...

Then CRAIG BIGGIO should ALSO be banned for life from the Hall-of-Fame for cheating!

Can you imagine Biggio being elected to the Hall-of-Fame the SAME year as Bonds and Clemens are denied?

The credibility of the Hall-of-Fame AND the sports writing voting system will forever be tarnished, minimalized, and a laughing stock.

Do the right thing sports writers and keep ALL the cheaters out of the hall...especially the MOST PROLIFIC CHEATER IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HISTORY!

The evidence is is hard to ignore.
Biggio was teammates with Ken Caminitti, Andy Pettite, Roger Clemens, among others already indicted, accused, or admitted. He had access to all the same trainers and drugs. Let alone peer pressure, he had that knee surgery in 2001 that he magically recovered from.
How could anyone say that he simply ignored those temptations?

He did it! He used them!

Dude - you were really good a soccer........i will leave it at that....lol...hope you are well..

As time goes on it is more and more obvious that the whole 2000 Astros team was on steroids. Thank goodness there is a 5-year waiting period before the writers vote someone into the hall of fame. The writers will be convinced of Biggio´s false accomplishments by then and simply elect him to the hall of SHAME along with McGwire, Bonds, and Clemens! The stories discussed in this thread are more disturbing concerns for parents and coaches that should really be addressed next.

A .280 hitter for 20 years. Where´s the fame?

The HOF sports writers are finally having the smoke cleared from their eyes and realizing the Biggio was NOT all that!
Go to: http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/08/overrated_houston_athletes.php

I agree: 20 years at .280 Where´s the fame?

I think this testimony from the jailer is one of the most significant comments on this site. Being in jail after a DWI is a big low point, and not usually a time people are at their best.

I can believe Biggio cheated on his SATs, but it is strange to single him out for that. I understand this idea of entitlement, and played w/ and against several athletes that have gone pro (Jamaal Charles, etc) who got lots of academic "help"...However, these kids grow up, and they have choices just like you and I, and the ROAD TO FULFILLMENT is no different: living honestly and being willing to use your gifts to reach/help others. I didn’t think it was right, like everyone else, that anyone should get pref treatment. But it didn't mess w/ my resolve to sell out as a WR. We all needed each other, and despite the ridiculous things the QB or the coaches said, getting better and doing my job is all that mattered to me. My job may be different, but I still loved doing it: cause I loved to play the game. No one can ever take that from you...Best lesson I learned in a weird road of high school sports. The knowledge still applies today.

There is lots of stories and evidence on this site of Biggio doing just that: Playing the game cause he loves it. Living honestly and using his gifts to help others.

Almost everyone I know has some terrible moments where they were completely selfish, moments they would like to forget (car accidents, DWI, cheating, denying responsibility, intentionally hurting others, manipulating a situation). Often people have several years even, of being a bully, or living a double life (adultery, steroids, pornography, dealing drugs, irresponsible leadership, sexual harassment). I have been on both ends, I imagine you have too...Wasn't it how you dealt w/ the lows and disappointments that was most important? Did you ever experience grace or forgive someone? In the end, the forgiveness helps you more than the forgivee...because you find peace on the other side.

Biggio's work w/ the Sunshine Kids was not a publicity stunt. I lived in Houston during most of Biggio's career, and I hardly heard about it in the media (and only for opportunities regarding donations). Biggio didn't like to be recognized on camera, he was a man who promoted the charity in person.

The guy shouldn't be put on a pedestal (he clearly doesn't want that anyway) because it is damaging to anyone who does so...Biggio's faults remain hidden, only because he can do more for people w/ a good reputation than a bad one. I applaud Andy Pettite for being willing to help others through a bad reputation. That takes serious guts.

So Biggio is a role model only because of how he played the game: hard, full-speed, consistently, and as a team player (playing 3 different positions). In the community, his image is USEFUL and he allows himself to be used. We can't hold people w/ high visibility up to this unattainable moral standard; we need to recognize his CAUSE (The Sunshine Kids)...That is all that mattered to Craig Biggio.

Biggio signed all those autographs not to be "Mr. Perfect" (because 99% of the time he would never see the autographee again) but because it built community. He understood all the mutual benefit of spending time w/ fans (for the community, the ballclub (yes, definitely for executives) and for himself). I love the story of how he gets back in his truck after signing autographs after an 11 inning game and says "No...thank you" to the fans (after they thanked him for stopping on his way out of the parking lot)...The support pushes Biggio on, just like affirmation we get from those around us pushes us on...

In conclusion...

1. Giving yourself up the for the best use of your talents/platform
2. Living honestly
3. Loving the game

...is all we got. Biggio didn't do these things all the time. Only Jesus did. But Im glad he is such an integral part of the Houston community, so millions of people got/get a chance to see someone who attempts to live this way.

It is all he has got.

Evidence: Watch the interview he gave after his final game. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3044269

Notice about halfway through he says:
"Im going to miss it (baseball). This is all, really, I know. The fans have really made it worthwhile, and...that is what the game is about."

Biggio talking about the fans: "They expressed their feelings...I showed them mine...it has been an unbelievable relationship, over a long period of time...they know I love em, and they love me back."

Whether your a baseball fan or not, who doesn't want to live with that kind of love in their life?

Thanks Craig, and thanks to all who read this.

Your Brother,
Charlie