They retired Craig Biggios number today in a ceremony at Minute Maid Park. It was really a great ceremony. Craig really had a great career and I hope he makes it in the HOF on the first ballot. He's the only player in MLB history to make an all-star team as a catcher and a 2nd baseman. Of course that is a very unlikely combination but shows you how great he was. He was a great team player as well, he went to CF a position clearly he was not suited for, just so Jeff Kent could play 2nd base. He's now the Head Baseball Coach at St. Thomas High School in Houston, they might not get the top talent but I would be suprised if they aren't the hardest playing team in the country, just like their coach was when he played. I'd list all the records he has but 2 really stand out, he's 5th all-time in doubles and 1st all-time in HBP, and of course 20th all-time in hits with 3060 hits. His family was there of course and they are a great looking family, very pretty wife of 18yrs and 2 nice looking boys and a cute younger daugther, the oldest boy who is still in HS and plays for his dad, gave a great speech. I wonder if we'll ever see another player of his caliber play their entire MLB career (20 years) with the same team? I salute you #7. Terry
Nolan was the greater player, but not the greatest Astro. Nolan played 13 years before he became an Astro, and then another 5 years after he left for the Texas Rangers. Biggio playing 20 years for the Astros trumps that as far as the greatest Astro. Jimmy Wynn had a much shorter career and Rusty Staub only played 6 years for the Astros before being traded. Nolan's number is retired as well and is of course fondly remembered by Astro fans, but like the rest of his career he had a hard time getting wins, the most he ever won in his 9 years with the Astros was 16 games (2x), no doubt hurt by the anemic bats behind him. I have no doubt if Roger hadn't gone back to the Yankees and then become involved in this Steriod mess, he might have had his number retired as an Astro. He was incredibly popular till he jilted us, now people wouldn't cross the street to spit on him.
I'm with you Terry in hoping that Biggio makes it on the first round to the Hall Of Fame. He was quite a player and a real team guy.