Craig Biggio is a former MLB player who spent his entire 20-year career playing for the Houston Astros. While he was known for his versatility, having played multiple positions throughout his career, he was most notably a catcher for a significant portion of his time in the league.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how long Craig Biggio was a catcher and highlight some of the key moments and accomplishments from his time behind the plate.
Biggio’s Early Career
Craig Biggio played college baseball at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. While playing for the Seton Hall Pirates, he was part of a trio of players dubbed “The Hit Men,” which also included future MLB slugger Mo Vaughn and 1987 NCAA batting leader Marteese Robinson.
After college, Biggio was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft. He began his professional career in the minor leagues, playing for the Auburn Astros and the Columbus Astros in 1987.
In 1988, Biggio was called up to the majors as a catcher and made his MLB debut on June 26, 1988, against the San Francisco Giants.
In his first full season in the majors in 1989, Biggio batted .276 with 13 home runs and 22 stolen bases, earning him a fourth-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
He continued to improve and establish himself as a valuable player for the Astros, both offensively and defensively, throughout his time as a catcher.
Biggio’s Career as a Catcher
Craig Biggio played as a catcher for the first 14 years of his MLB career, from 1988 to 2001. During this time, he established himself as one of the best catchers in the game, earning multiple accolades for his performance behind the plate.
Biggio was a four-time Gold Glove Award winner, earning the honor in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. The award is given annually to the best defensive player at each position in both the American League and National League.
In addition to his Gold Glove Awards, Biggio was also named to the All-Star team as a catcher five times, in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1997.
Biggio’s time as a catcher was marked by numerous memorable moments and plays. He was known for his strong arm and ability to control the game defensively, and he was also a reliable offensive player.
In 1997, Biggio hit for the cycle, becoming the first player in Astros history to accomplish the feat. He also hit a home run in his first career playoff at-bat in the 1997 NL Division Series.
Overall, Biggio’s time as a catcher was a major part of his successful career in the MLB, and he remains one of the best catchers to have played the game.
Biggio’s Transition to Other Positions
As Craig Biggio’s career progressed, he began to play other positions in addition to catcher. He started playing second base in 1992 and eventually transitioned to the outfield in 2003.
There were several reasons for the transition. One of the main factors was injury. Biggio suffered a knee injury in 2000 that limited his mobility behind the plate, and he began playing more games at second base in order to lessen the stress on his knees.
In addition, the Astros had a need for a second baseman at the time, and Biggio’s versatility allowed him to fill that role.
Playing second base allowed Biggio to showcase his athleticism and versatility, and he continued to excel defensively at the position.
He earned four more Gold Glove Awards while playing second base, in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2004. He was also named to the All-Star team as a second baseman in 1998 and 1999.
Biggio’s move to the outfield in 2003 was again due in part to team needs, as the Astros had a need for an outfielder at the time. However, Biggio proved to be a capable outfielder and made several memorable plays in the outfield, including a game-saving catch in Game 4 of the 2004 NLCS.
Overall, Biggio’s transition to other positions allowed him to extend his career and remain a valuable player for the Astros. He proved to be a versatile player who could excel at multiple positions, earning him a place in baseball history as one of the game’s greats.
Craig Biggio’s Career as a Catcher and His Subsequent Transitions to Other Positions
| Position | Years Played | Gold Glove Awards | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher | 1988-2001 | 4 | 5 |
| Second Base | 1992-2007 | 4 | 2 |
| Outfield | 2003-2007 | – | – |
Note: “-” indicates no awards or selections in that category for the position.
The table shows that Craig Biggio played as a catcher for 14 years, during which he won four Gold Glove Awards and was selected to the All-Star team five times.
He then transitioned to second base in 1992, where he won four more Gold Glove Awards and was named to the All-Star team twice. In 2003, he transitioned to the outfield and did not win any awards or selections in that position.
FAQs
How many years did Craig Biggio play in the MLB?
Craig Biggio played in the MLB for 20 seasons, from 1988 to 2007.
What is Craig Biggio’s most significant accomplishment?
Craig Biggio’s most significant accomplishment was his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also a seven-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a member of the 3,000-hit club.
What position did Craig Biggio play the most in his career?
Craig Biggio played the most games as a second baseman in his career, with 1,989 games played at the position.
What team did Craig Biggio play for throughout his career?
Craig Biggio played his entire career with the Houston Astros.
Did Craig Biggio win any championships during his career?
Craig Biggio never won a World Series championship during his career, but he did help lead the Astros to their first World Series appearance in 2005.
Conclusion
Craig Biggio’s career in the MLB spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of the best players in the game. He began his career as a catcher, earning multiple Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections for his defensive prowess behind the plate.
However, as his career progressed, he transitioned to other positions, including second base and outfield, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Biggio’s ability to play multiple positions allowed him to extend his career and remain a valuable player for the Astros. His accomplishments on the field, including his 3,060 hits, 668 doubles, and 291 home runs, earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Overall, Craig Biggio’s career as a catcher and his subsequent transitions to other positions demonstrate his versatility and adaptability as a player. He remains a beloved figure in Astros history and a legend in the game of baseball.
