One for the Team

For 20 years, Craig Biggio has manned second base for the Houston Astros -- the longest such stint in the majors. So the club was seen as justified in letting Biggio fight through injuries (and their concomitant impediments to Biggio’s skills) to try to reach a Cooperstown-ready 3,000 career hits...

By Sam Eifling

August 2, 2007

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For 20 years, Craig Biggio has manned second base for the Houston Astros -- the longest such stint in the majors. So the club was seen as justified in letting Biggio fight through injuries (and their concomitant impediments to Biggio’s skills) to try to reach a Cooperstown-ready 3,000 career hits. Well, despite a constant thrum of criticism that said he should make like a race pit crew and retire, Biggio dinked that magic number three-thou in June, then cried about it, the big softie.

Now, batting around .250 and with his Hall of Fame resume gleaming, Biggio can’t be long for the National League. Still, he stands to reach one more major milestone around the time the Astros visit the Marlins. With his 287th HBP, Biggio will tie a 104-year-old record for most career times hit by a pitch; as of late July, he was two shy. He’s splitting time now with his understudy, Chris Burke, so he may not even start in Miami. But root for the Marlins to throw hard at him when the Astros come to town Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium (2269 NW 199th St., Miami), as this is his final season in the pros. Tickets start at $9. Roll old-school and buy them at the gate, or get them at florida.marlins.mlb.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 954-523-3309.

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