Craig Biggio Special Assistant to the General Manager

Longtime Astros icon Craig Biggio is in his first season as a special assistant to General Manager Ed Wade. The agreement between Craig and the Astros was announced on February 11, 2008. The franchise career leader in hits, games played, runs scored, and at-bats, Craig retired following a stellar, 20-year career at the end of the 2007 season. He finished his career with 3,060 hits, 668 doubles, 291 home runs, 1,175 runs batted in, and a .281 career average in 2,850 games played. A first-round selection by Houston in the June 1987 draft, Craig became the first Astro to reach the 3,000-hit plateau with a seventh-inning single against Colorado's Aaron Cook on June 28, 2007. His 3,060 hits rank 20th all-time, and his 668 career doubles are the most of any right-handed hitter in Major League history and also rank fifth all-time. Craig's 20 seasons with Houston are a franchise record, and he also made a club-best 19 consecutive Opening Day starts. He is also the only player in Major League history to reach all of the following milestones: 600 doubles (668), 250 home runs (291), 2,700 hits (3,060), and 400 stolen bases (414). Craig and Cal Ripken, Jr. are the only middle infielders (only 13 players all-time) to collect 3,000 hits and 1,000 extra-base hits. Craig was named to a franchise-record seven National League All-Star teams, and he received five Silver Slugger Awards. He also received four Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, and Craig was also a member of six Astros playoff teams. Craig holds the National League records for leadoff home runs with 53 (ranks 2nd all-time) and for hits in Interleague play with 201. He also led all players during the 2005 postseason with 18 hits. Additionally, Craig was the 2007 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, a prestigious honor bestowed upon one Major League player each season by Major League Baseball and the Clemente family. Craig has been actively involved with the Sunshine Kids throughout his career, a support organization for children with cancer and their families. In his new role with the Astros, Craig will assist in a variety of areas. He will work with the baseball operations staff in its Major and minor league player development programs with special emphasis on instruction, the amateur draft and scouting, Major and minor league talent evaluation, and will also serve as an instructor during Spring Training and during the annual Elite Camp at Minute Maid Park. Additionally, Craig will also travel with the Major League club on selected road trips and will participate in the club's community development program, including appearances on the Astros Winter Caravan, FanFest, and Astroline.

< Close Window >	< Print >