Craig Biggio -- Post Retirement

[District303aPastPlayer]

Now he was very good, and no doubt is already a Texas Sports Hall of Fame Member... but is he worthy of Cooperstown?

[JR2004]

Originally posted by District303aPastPlayer
Now he was very good, and no doubt is already a Texas Sports Hall of Fame Member... but is he worthy of Cooperstown?

Yes. He'll probably get in with somewhere around 80-85 percent of the vote I would imagine.

[charlesrixey]

doesn't he have 3,000 hits?

i'm pretty sure that's a benchmark that only pete rose couldn't get in with (or 4,000 in his case)

him or rafael palmiero (again, extenuating circumstances)

[zebrablue2]

how could you vote no, 3000 hits and a role model.
it is a big YES, he is in.

[Maroon87]

No question he's a Hall of Famer.

[Gobbla2001]

3k hits... over 300 dingers, 2nd all time in lead-off dingers, hell of a second baseman, one of the hardest playing athletes you'll see... Yes... and Si...

[JR2004]

Originally posted by zebrablue2
how could you vote no, 3000 hits and a role model.
it is a big YES, he is in.

There is voters who will vote no. There's no rhyme or reason to a lot of the ones they'll vote against other than they'll do it just because they can. If someone will vote against Nolan, Gwynn or The Ironman, there will be some who will vote against Biggio just to do it.

[Gobbla2001]

there was actually a broadcaster somewhere (Boston I believe?) who thinks Biggio isn't lock for the hall... I really think he's a lock... not being biased, but c'mon, look at the stats, look at his play... he may not go in his first year, but he'll make it...

[sotxrat]

Biggio will be in the baseball hall of fame, no doubt. I would like to think that our fellow posters think he should be inducted on the first ballot that he is available to be on. With his stats, it should be first ballot, no brainer. But in today's world who knows.

[gobbler grad]

without a doubt...:thinking:

[sahen]

biggio is 1st ballot minus some scandel come up in the 5 years after he retires that tarnishes his name, i serioulsy doubt that will happen....a lot of the voters for the hall are older guys/players and biggio plays the game they want it to be played, he isnt showey and gets out there and gets the job done day in and day out, the older voters will most likely vote him in because he is the model of what they would like to see in baseball not to mention he is "mr. astro"....what would be cool is if bagwell can get in (he wont be first ballot) if he could get in w/ biggio, though it will prolly still be too soon for bagwell, if he gets in it will be closer to 8 to 10 after he retires....

[JR2004]

You can look at some other second basemen who had stellar careers to determine how quickly or what percentage Biggio is likely to get.

Use Ryno for example (Cubs 2B Ryne Sandberg)

He played 14 full MLB seasons (16 seasons overall)

The average year numbers are similar to Biggio. (Better in some areas, worse in others. You can look it up for yourself on baseball-reference.com)

Had he made it 20 seasons in the bigs he would've retired with about the same amount of hits as Biggio will. He had 9 CONSECUTIVE Gold Gloves (highest ever fielding percentage of .989 at the position and was the first second baseman in almost 7 decades to hit 40 homers in a season back in 1990).

The Hall of Fame voters saw fit to induct him on his THIRD attempt and even then made it in by only six votes with just over 76 percent.

EDIT: I know he started as a catcher before moving to 2nd and then center for awhile, but he'll get in as a 2B so that's why I use Sandberg as the comparison.

[burnet44]

this is the number of players who have more than Biggio


661+ doubles 6 players
250+ HRs 125 players
3016+ hits 24 players
413+ SB 54 players
4647+ total bases 31 players
285+ Hit by pitch 1 player

Players with all that
1. Craig Biggio


He is the only player in Major League history to have more than 600 doubles, 250 home runs, 2,700 hits and 400 stolen bases.

He is Houston's all-time leader in hits (3,016), runs (1,827) and games (2,799).


HOF er derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Who-dun-it!!?]

Not to mention he's Craig freakin Biggo!!!!

Team loyalty. One team his entire career.
That's enough for me he wasn't ruined by money.

[JasperDog94]

Has there ever been a player that got 100% of the vote?

[burnet44]

Tom Seaver was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 7, 1992. He received the highest-ever percentage of votes with 425 of 430 ballots (98.84%), surpassing Ty Cobb's 98.23%, and falling just five votes short of an unanimous selection.

[burnet44]

Tom Seaver P 1967-1986 98.84%
Nolan Ryan P 1966, 1968-1993 98.79%
Cal Ripken, Jr. SS 1981-2001 98.53%
Ty Cobb CF 1905-1928 98.23%
George Brett 3B 1973-1993 98.19%
Hank Aaron RF 1952, 1954-1976 97.83%
Tony Gwynn RF 1982-2001 97.61%
Mike Schmidt 3B 1972-1989 96.52%
Johnny Bench C 1967-1983 96.42%
Steve Carlton P 1965-1988 95.82%
Babe Ruth RF-P 1914-1935 95.13%
Honus Wagner SS 1897-1917 95.13%
Willie Mays CF 1948-1973 94.68%
Carl Yastrzemski LF-1B 1961-1983 94.63%
Bob Feller P 1936-1941, 1945-1956 93.75%
Reggie Jackson RF 1967-1987 93.62%
Ted Williams LF 1939-1942, 1946-1960 93.38%
Stan Musial LF-1B 1941-1944, 1946-1963 93.24%
Roberto Clemente RF 1955-1972 92.69%
Jim Palmer P 1965-1984 92.57%
Brooks Robinson 3B 1955-1977 91.98%
Wade Boggs 3B 1982-1999 91.86%
Ozzie Smith SS 1978-1996 91.74%
Christy Mathewson P 1900-1916 90.71%
Rod Carew 2B-1B 1967-1985 90.52%
Frank Robinson RF 1956-1976 89.16%
Joe DiMaggio CF 1936-1942, 1946-1951 88.84%
Al Kaline RF 1953-1974 88.31%
Mickey Mantle CF 1951-1968 88.22%
Mel Ott RF 1926-1947 87.17%
Carl Hubbell P 1928-1943 86.96%
Red Ruffing P 1924-1942, 1945-1947 86.93%
Sandy Koufax P 1955-1966 86.87%
Robin Roberts P 1948-1966 86.86%
Harry Heilmann RF 1914, 1916-1931 86.75%
Duke Snider CF 1947-1964 86.49%
Ted Lyons P 1923-1942, 1946 86.45%
George Sisler 1B 1915-1922, 1928-1930 85.77%
Billy Williams LF 1959-1976 85.71%
Yogi Berra C 1946-1963, 1965 85.61%
Eddie Murray 1B 1977-1997 85.28%
Paul Molitor DH-3B 1978-1998 85.20%
Charlie Gehringer 2B 1924-1942 85.03%
Hank Greenberg 1B 1930, 1933-1941, 1945-1947 84.97%
Joe Medwick LF 1932-1948 84.81%
Luis Aparicio SS 1956-1973 84.62%
Frankie Frisch 2B 1919-1937 84.47%
Dave Winfield RF 1973-1988, 1990-1995 84.47%
Bob Gibson P 1959-1975 84.04%
Luke Appling SS 1930-1943, 1945-1950 84.00%
Ernie Banks SS-1B 1953-1971 83.81%
Hoyt Wilhelm P 1952-1972 83.80%
Juan Marichal P 1960-1975 83.69%
Walter Johnson P 1907-1927 83.63%
Nap Lajoie 2B 1896-1916 83.58%
Paul Waner RF 1926-1940 83.33%
Dennis Eckersley P 1975-1998 83.20%
Harmon Killebrew 1B-3B 1954-1975 83.13%
Rabbit Maranville SS 1912-1933, 1935 82.94%
Warren Spahn P 1942, 1946-1965 82.89%
Jocko Conlan Umpire 1942, 1946-1965 82.89%
Willie Stargell LF 1962-1982 82.44%
Kirby Puckett CF 1984-1995 82.14%
Tris Speaker CF 1907-1928 82.09%
Joe Morgan 2B 1963-1984 81.76%
Dazzy Vance P 1915, 1918,1922-1935 81.67%
Don Sutton P 1966-1988 81.60%
Willie McCovey 1B 1959-1980 81.41%
Rollie Fingers P 1968-1982, 1984-1985 81.16%
Grover Cleveland Alexander P 1911-1929 80.92%
Phil Niekro P 1964-1987 80.34%
Bill Dickey C 1928-1943, 1946 80.16%
Lou Brock LF 1961-1979 79.75%
Carlton Fisk C 1969, 1971-1993 79.56%
Mickey Cochrane C 1925-1937 79.50%
Eddie Mathews 3B 1952-1968 79.42%
Roy Campanella C 1948-1957 79.41%
Jimmie Foxx 1B 1925-1942, 1944-1945 79.20%
Dizzy Dean P 1930, 1932-1941, 1947 79.17%
Joe Cronin SS 1926-1945 78.76%
Bob Lemon P 1946-1958 78.61%
Don Drysdale P 1956-1969 78.41%
Rogers Hornsby 2B 1915-1937 78.11%
Gary Carter C 1974-1992 78.02%
Whitey Ford P 1950, 1953-1967 77.81%
Eddie Collins 2B 1906-1930 77.74%
Herb Pennock P 1912-1934 77.69%
Gabby Hartnett C 1922-1941 77.69%
Jackie Robinson 2B 1945, 1947-1956 77.50%
Robin Yount SS-CF 1974-1993 77.46%
Bill Terry 1B 1923-1936 77.38%
Lou Boudreau SS 1938-1952 77.33%
Gaylord Perry P 1962-1983 77.20%
Tony Pérez 1B 1964-1986 77.15%
Bruce Sutter P 1976-1988 76.90%
Pie Traynor 3B 1920-1935, 1937 76.86%
Lefty Grove P 1925-1941 76.40%
Catfish Hunter P 1965-1979 76.27%
Ryne Sandberg 2B 1981-1994, 1996-1997 76.16%
Cy Young P 1890-1911 76.12%
Early Wynn P 1939-1945, 1946-1962 76.01%
Willie Keeler RF 1892-1910 75.55%
Ralph Kiner LF 1946-1955 75.41%
Freddie Lindstrom 3B 1924-1935 75.41%
Ferguson Jenkins P 1965-1983 75.40%
Al Simmons LF 1924-1941, 1943-1944 75.38%

[burnet44]

Cy Young P 1890-1911 76.12%

strange huh lol

[g$$]

Originally posted by burnet44
this is the number of players who have more than Biggio


661+ doubles 6 players
250+ HRs 125 players
3016+ hits 24 players
413+ SB 54 players
4647+ total bases 31 players
285+ Hit by pitch 1 player

Players with all that
1. Craig Biggio


He is the only player in Major League history to have more than 600 doubles, 250 home runs, 2,700 hits and 400 stolen bases.

He is Houston's all-time leader in hits (3,016), runs (1,827) and games (2,799).


HOF er derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Stole my thunder, great post! BGO is an absolute 1st ballot HOF by any measure. As stated above, the only player in MLB history with:

250+ HRS
600+ doubles
400+ steals
3000+ hits

7 time All Star
4 time Gold Glove winner

Played the game right, true gamer & competitor.

Case closed, see ya in Cooperstown!

[Maroon87]

It's a sad statement on sports today when, while watching Sportscenter yesterday (I had to see if they'd mention Bidge's big day) I noticed they went through an entire half hour with nary a mention of Biggio's announcement or game highlights. We did, however, get plenty of Sic Em Vick, Barroid, The Point Shaving Ref, and of course "Who's Now.":rolleyes:

I guess someone who did it the right way just isn't newsworthy these days.

[g$$]

Originally posted by Maroon87
It's a sad statement on sports today when, while watching Sportscenter yesterday (I had to see if they'd mention Bidge's big day) I noticed they went through an entire half hour with nary a mention of Biggio's announcement or game highlights. We did, however, get plenty of Sic Em Vick, Barroid, The Point Shaving Ref, and of course "Who's Now.":rolleyes:

I guess someone who did it the right way just isn't newsworthy these days.

Great post. And, that "Who's Now" segment on SC each night is just flat stupid & annoying with "weird eyes & over-the-top trying to be cool" Stuart Scott, agreed.

[burnet44]

Its just a commercial for ESPN and many athletes you care nothing about. Media self-promotion. There are very few shows on ESPN that I turn the channel on. Thats one of them. But I will say the series The Bronx is Burning is good. This is not a thread take-over. Yes I agree Biggio is a good-guy, play every day, hard working, good for your team guy. Aint like ESPN is gonna report anything on him. Kobie, 2, Vick, LeBron, ect. Its just advertising. This just in, 2 had an interview. Gotta go watch that. I wouldnt want to not be with it.

Salute Biggio

[buff4ever]

who in the world could say no, unless you haven't seriously looked at his numbers.

[Txbroadcaster]

People act like Biggio will get in easily first ballot..here is why he wont..and I dont agree with what I am about to say, but this is how the voters vote

First..Was Biggio one of the true greats of his generation? At any time would he be considered the best 2B playing the game? Or one of the top 10 players in all of MLB during his playing days?

The stats are great, BUT voters will say well playing 19 years he should have put up those numbers, the voters love long careers to a point, but then they hold it against the player

Sadly i dont think he is a sexy name, and did not play on WS winning teams, yes he played on some good teams but his .234 BA in Postseason will hurt him

I think he gets in, but I think it will be awhile

[District303aPastPlayer]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
People act like Biggio will get in easily first ballot..here is why he wont..and I dont agree with what I am about to say, but this is how the voters vote

First..Was Biggio one of the true greats of his generation? At any time would he be considered the best 2B playing the game? Or one of the top 10 players in all of MLB during his playing days?

The stats are great, BUT voters will say well playing 19 years he should have put up those numbers, the voters love long careers to a point, but then they hold it against the player

Sadly i dont think he is a sexy name, and did not play on WS winning teams, yes he played on some good teams but his .234 BA in Postseason will hurt him

I think he gets in, but I think it will be awhile

it is the Hall of Fame... not the Hall of Very Good... Biggio falls into the latter...

[Maroon87]

Originally posted by District303aPastPlayer
it is the Hall of Fame... not the Hall of Very Good... Biggio falls into the latter...

You're entitled to your opinion...even if it's wrong.:p

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by District303aPastPlayer
it is the Hall of Fame... not the Hall of Very Good... Biggio falls into the latter... All you have to do is look objectively at his numbers. If you took current HOF members and removed their names and put Biggio's numbers right next to them, you'd find that he is right there with them. And in some cases, ahead of them.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by JasperDog94
All you have to do is look objectively at his numbers. If you took current HOF members and removed their names and put Biggio's numbers right next to them, you'd find that he is right there with them. And in some cases, ahead of them.

But Biggio is in a diff era..it is not about how he compares to HOF but how he compares to players in his era.

[Maroon87]

I don't necessarily think he'll get in on the first ballot, but he shouldn't have to wait long. I think Bagwell will have a much harder time getting in, if he ever does.

[Txbroadcaster]

There are only 18 2nd baseman in the HOF..and that is the position Biggio will be known for

His 3K hits get him in, but I think he might have to wait awhile

[sotxrat]

I am correcting myself if this rule is true: Only two first time qualifiers for the baseball hall of fame are allowed per year. If this rule is correct then Biggio may not be inducted his first year. My guess is that along with Biggio, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and maybe Randy Johnson all will retire this year. Now I think that Biggio will get more votes than Glavine or Johnson but not Clemens or Maddux. This goes back to what texbroadcaster says about a sexy name, these guys names have been used a lot more the last twenty years than Biggio. Also, to throw another kink in this deal, Barry Bonds could retire as well this year. Now, personally, I would not allow him in the hall but he will make it at some time.

[g$$]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
People act like Biggio will get in easily first ballot..here is why he wont..and I dont agree with what I am about to say, but this is how the voters vote

First..Was Biggio one of the true greats of his generation? At any time would he be considered the best 2B playing the game? Or one of the top 10 players in all of MLB during his playing days?

The stats are great, BUT voters will say well playing 19 years he should have put up those numbers, the voters love long careers to a point, but then they hold it against the player

Sadly i dont think he is a sexy name, and did not play on WS winning teams, yes he played on some good teams but his .234 BA in Postseason will hurt him

I think he gets in, but I think it will be awhile

Wrong...

1. Yes, he was one of the best of his generation & at one time the best 2B playing. He finished in the top 10 for MVP voting 3 different times (obviously one of the best of era then right for a 5-7 year span?). He was a 40 doubles & 40 steals guy too (40/40 guy). Sandberg got more pub being in Chicago but please stack BGO's #s against him. Sandberg was a great one no doubt, but BGO takes a backseat to no one at 2B in his era.

2. He played 20 years (June 1988 - present) after being drafted in 1st round 1987 out of Seton Hall.

3. Look at Barry Bonds' career postseason batting avg. - it will not keep him out either.

4. Only player in MLB history - ONLY player - with:

250+ HRs
600+ doubles
400+ steals
2700+ hits (he is now over 3000 of course)

MLB all-time leader in HBP, great ob% lifetime (back when he used to walk too). Scored a ton of runs.

All Star at catcher & 2B, also played some outfield to help team.
7 time All Star
4 Gold Gloves

5. Face of the Houston Astros along with Jeff Bagwell. Went to playoffs 6/9 years & one World Series. During that time, one of the best teams in baseball. True gamer & competitor admired by all who know baseball & have played the game.

***Biggio is a 1st ballot HOF, period. I will bet any of you dinner on that at your restaurant of choice.***

Now for Bagwell, he gets into the HOF but it takes a while due to career being cut short. 449 HRs, MVP, all star teams, etc.

[g$$]

Originally posted by sotxrat
I am correcting myself if this rule is true: Only two first time qualifiers for the baseball hall of fame are allowed per year. If this rule is correct then Biggio may not be inducted his first year. My guess is that along with Biggio, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and maybe Randy Johnson all will retire this year. Now I think that Biggio will get more votes than Glavine or Johnson but not Clemens or Maddux. This goes back to what texbroadcaster says about a sexy name, these guys names have been used a lot more the last twenty years than Biggio. Also, to throw another kink in this deal, Barry Bonds could retire as well this year. Now, personally, I would not allow him in the hall but he will make it at some time.

That rule has been amended as I understand it. More than 2 can go into the HOF per given year. This year is an exception with Ripken & Gwynn. It could get interesting though, agreed.

BGO is well-known nationally now after 20 years. Houston is no longer an outpost of baseball.