Biggio Hall of Fame induction set for Sunday

HOUSTON, TX--On January 6, 2015, Astros fans rejoiced when the official announcement was made that Craig Biggio was a part of the Class of 2015 elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. On Sunday, July 26, Biggio's much-anticipated Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 12:30 p.m. CT at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, NY. 

Biggio, who will make history on Sunday as the first player to go into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Houston Astros franchise, will be joined by dozens of family members, friends, former teammates and Astros front office personnel for what will be a special weekend in Cooperstown. A large contingent of Astros fans are also expected to make the journey to Cooperstown this weekend. 

Pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz will join Biggio Sunday as part of the Class of 2015 inductees. 

In his 20 Major League seasons (1988-2007) in an Astros uniform, Biggio, who currently serves as a special assistant to the general manager for the Astros, was one of the top players of his era, excelling at catcher, second base and in the outfield. The seven-time All-Star played a vital role in the most successful run in franchise history, which included six postseason appearances in a nine-year span and a National League Pennant in 2005.  

Biggio is one of just 29 players in ML history to reach 3,000 hits, and is also one of just 15 players in Major League history to reach both 1,000 extra-base hits and 3,000 total hits, joining a list that includes Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Carl Yastrzemski, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, George Brett, Cal Ripken Jr. and Pete Rose (Biggio is only the second player that was primarily a middle infielder to accomplish this feat, joining Ripken). It is noteworthy that Biggio played 12 of his seasons (1988-99) in the pitcher-friendly Astrodome. 

In his career, Biggio tallied 3,060 hits, which ranks 21st all-time in Major League history, and 11th all-time among right-handed hitters. Additionally, his 3,060 hits rank fifth all-time in National League history among right-handed hitters. In 2,850 career games, Biggio hit .281 with 668 doubles, 291 home runs, 1,175 RBI, 1,161 walks, 414 stolen bases and 1,844 runs scored, the latter ranking 14th all-time and seventh in NL history. His 668 doubles are the most in Major League history by a right-handed hitter and rank fifth all-time among all hitters. Biggio also holds the NL record for career leadoff home runs with 53 and the modern Major League record for being hit by a pitch (285).

Biggio is also one of just 10 players in the modern era to reach the 3,000-hit plateau while playing for the same team. His 3,060 hits are more than 138 current Hall of Famers, including Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, Ryne Sandberg, Yogi Berra, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson. 

Additionally, Biggio is the only player in MLB history to reach all four of the following milestones: 600 doubles, 250 homers, 3,000 hits and 400 stolen bases, and is one of just three players all-time to reach 3,000 hits, 200 homers and 400 steals, joining Hall of Famers Paul Molitor and Rickey Henderson.

On the Astros all-time lists, Biggio is tops in games, at-bats, hits, runs, doubles, extra-base hits and total bases, ranks second in RBI and stolen bases and third in home runs.

BIGGIO BY THE NUMBERS
*3,060 career hits rank 21st all-time in MLB history, 11th among RHH in ML history and 5th all-time in NL history among RHH.
*Is one of just 29 players in ML history to record 3,000 hits. 
*Is the only player in MLB history to reach all four of the following milestones: 600 doubles, 250 homers, 3,000 hits and 400 stolen bases.
*Is one of just 15 players in ML history to reach both 3,000 hits and 1,000 extra-base hits. Joins a list that includes: Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Carl Yastrzemski, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, George Brett, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield, Cal Ripken Jr. and Pete Rose (Biggio is just the second player who was primarily a middle infielder to accomplish this feat, joining Ripken). 
*His 668 doubles are a MLB record for a RHH and rank 5th all-time among all hitters. 
*Is one of 35 players in ML history to reach 1,000 career extra-base hits. 
*1,844 runs scored ranks 14th in ML history and seventh in NL history.
*Is one of just 10 players in the modern era to reach the 3,000 hit plateau while playing all of his games with the same team.
*Totaled more hits than 138 Hall of Famers, including: Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, Ryne Sandberg, Yogi Berra, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson.
*In 1998, joined Tris Speaker (HOF) as the only players to collect 50-or-more doubles and 50-or-more stolen bases in the same season
* 146 runs scored in 1997 were the most of any National League player since the Phillies' Chuck Klein scored 152 runs in 1932.
*His 285 HBPs rank 1st all-time in modern MLB history. 
*His 53 leadoff home runs are a NL record and rank third all-time in MLB history. 
*One of only three players to reach 3,000 hits, 200 homers and 400 steals, joining Hall of Famers Paul Molitor and Rickey Henderson. 
*Was a vital member of six postseason teams and a NL Pennant winning club in 2005. 
*One of eight players all-time with 100 career steals of third base (107).
*Led MLB in runs twice (1995, 1997).
*Led MLB in doubles three times (1994, 1998, 1999).
*Led MLB in steals in 1994. 
*One of the most versatile players in ML history: Reached 40+ doubles seven times and 50+ doubles twice; Stole 30+ bases five times; Scored 100+ runs eight times; Reached 20+ home runs eight times. 

ACCOLADES
*Five Silver Slugger awards, one as a catcher, four as a second baseman, latter ranks T-3rd for the position. 
*One of five players to win Silver Slugger award at multiple positions, joining Albert Pujols, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla and Miguel Cabrera.
*Seven All-Star appearances (voted the starter at second base in four straight seasons from 1995-98).
*Became first player ever to be named an All-Star at both catcher (1991) and second base.
*Four-time Gold Glove winner (ranks T-7th all-time among second basemen).
*Had his No. 7 jersey retired by the Astros on Aug. 17, 2008.
*2004 inductee into both the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
*2014 inductee into the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame. 

BIGGIO AMONG HIS PEERS (1988-2007)
*First in hits (3,060).
*First in doubles (668).
*First in games played (2,850).
*Second in runs scored (1,844).
*Fourth in total bases with 4,711 (trailed Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Ken Griffey, Jr.).
*Fifth in extra base hits with 1,014 (trailed Bonds, Palmeiro, Griffey and Sammy Sosa).
*10th in steals (414).

SOLID DECADE (from 1992-2001):
*Led all second basemen in games played, at-bats, runs, doubles, walks, intentional walks, on-base percentage.
*Second among second basemen in hits and batting average.
*Notable: played 12 seasons (1988-99) in the pitcher-friendly Astrodome.

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ADVANCED STATISTICS
*Using Baseball Reference's Wins Above Replacement metric, Biggio ranks ahead of many Hall of Famers with his 62.1 WAR, including: Andre Dawson, Billy Williams, Dave Winfield, Juan Marichal, Jackie Robinson, Dennis Eckersley, Bob Feller, Yogi Berra, Harmon Killebrew, Whitey Ford, Willie Stargell, Enos Slaughter, Kirby Puckett, Ralph Kiner, Sandy Koufax, Jim Rice and Lou Brock. 
*Using Baseball Reference's similarity scores (created by Bill James), Biggio's career statistics rate the most similar to Robin Yount (HOF), Derek Jeter, Joe Morgan (HOF), Paul Molitor (HOF), Roberto Alomar (HOF), Cal Ripken Jr. (HOF) and George Brett (HOF).
*Biggio rates as a 57 on Bill James' Hall of Fame Standards Score, which determines how well a player's career statistics match up to the typical standards of a Hall of Famer. A score of 50 represents the career of an average Hall of Famer.

BIGGIO MILESTONES
*Astros first selection in the 1987 June Draft (22nd overall) after starring at Seton Hall University. 
*MLB Debut: June 26, 1988 vs. SF in the Astrodome (started at catcher).
*First ML Hit: June 29, 1988 vs. LA; single off Orel Hershiser in the Astrodome. Nolan Ryan was the Astros starter.
*First ML HR: Aug. 22, 1988 vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field; game-winning, solo HR in the 10th inn. off Goose Gossage. 
*Began MLB career as a catcher, earning All-Star honors in 1991. 
*Made switch to second base prior to the start of the 1992 season; earned four Gold Gloves and six All-Star appearances as a second baseman.
*1,000th ML Hit: July 1, 1995 vs. the Pirates in the Astrodome off Mark Dyer (single). 
*2,000th ML Hit: May 4, 2001 vs. the Expos at Olympic Stadium off Javier Vazquez (single). 
*3,000th ML Hit: June 28, 2007 vs. the Rockies at Minute Maid Park; single off Aaron Cook (3rd hit of five-hit night). 
*100th ML HR: May 16, 1997 vs. the Phillies at Veterans Stadium off Mark Leiter.
*200th ML HR: Apr. 18, 2003 vs. the Brewers at Miller Park off Luis Vizcaino. 
*250th ML HR: July 26, 2005 vs. the Phillies at Minute Maid Park off Jon Lieber. 
*600th ML Double: Sept. 10, 2005 vs. the Brewers at Miller Park.
*1,000th ML Run: Apr. 11, 1999 vs. the Brewers in the Astrodome.
*400th ML Stolen Base: May 2, 2005 vs. the Pirates at Minute Maid Park.
*Last ML Game: September 30, 2007 vs. the Braves at Minute Maid Park.
*Last ML Hit: Sept. 30, 2007 vs. the Braves at Minute Maid Park (double). 

BIGGIO IN THE COMMUNITY
*Craig and his wife, Patty, are still actively involved with The Sunshine Kids, a support organization for children with cancer and their families. Since his playing days, they have helped to raise millions of dollars for the organization. 
*Won MLB's 2007 Roberto Clemente Award - given to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."
* Won the Hutch Award in 2005, which is given to a player who shows competitiveness and never gives up.
*1997 Branch Rickey Award winner - given to the player "who personifies service above self."

PERSONAL
*Craig and wife Patty reside in Houston with their daughter, Quinn, and sons Conor and Cavan. 

-ASTROS-