[stepay]

So, I posted here way back in September 2006 and haven't since (I think I'll change that absenteeism). Now that as of today (June 5, 2007) Biggio is just 22 hits away from 3,000 and seems likely to get it sometime in July if not earlier, do you think that solidifies him for the Hall of Fame (assuming he does it?).

I say yes. I say he's in even if he has a career-ending injury today.

Regarding getting 3,000 hits, I think that's pretty automatic. Harold Baines came excruciatingly close to 3,000 and if he had gotten 3,000 I think maybe he'd be the first to do so that I wouldn't necessarily support for the Hall, but Biggio has to be in in my opinion.

Just the fact that mostly he was a 2nd baseman does it, but when you add in all the steals and the doubles, plus the fact he was willing to play several different positions when they needed him. Gotta be in the Hall of Fame.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by stepay

So, I posted here way back in September 2006 and haven't since (I think I'll change that absenteeism). Now that as of today (June 5, 2007) Biggio is just 22 hits away from 3,000 and seems likely to get it sometime in July if not earlier, do you think that solidifies him for the Hall of Fame (assuming he does it?).

I say yes. I say he's in even if he has a career-ending injury today.

Regarding getting 3,000 hits, I think that's pretty automatic. Harold Baines came excruciatingly close to 3,000 and if he had gotten 3,000 I think maybe he'd be the first to do so that I wouldn't necessarily support for the Hall, but Biggio has to be in in my opinion.

Just the fact that mostly he was a 2nd baseman does it, but when you add in all the steals and the doubles, plus the fact he was willing to play several different positions when they needed him. Gotta be in the Hall of Fame.

Biggio was Hall worthy long before...hit by the pitch record...All-Star at a bunch of different bases...power hitter (for second baseman) with over 400 steals in lifetime...good glove...long career...He had a place waiting already...

Baines...a former 1st pick overall is close...not as good as Biggio I think.

And where the heck you been! What are you waiting for! Post man Post.

[EmpireWF]

I agree with you guys, he's a HOFer. He's had a long sustained career of quality play. He's played well at multiple positions and for a couple of years, was considered one of the best at his position (during his run at 2B in the mid-late 1990s).

[stepay]

Ok! I'll post!

Glad to hear you both KNOW he belongs. I've had a couple buddies of mine recently tell me that he's not deserving, and I can't convince them.

[MJHMarc]

I think he was the best second-baseman of that time.

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by stepay

Ok! I'll post!

Glad to hear you both KNOW he belongs. I've had a couple buddies of mine recently tell me that he's not deserving, and I can't convince them.

Welcome back, Stepay.

[stepay]

Just a Biggio update. He's now just 8 hits away from 3,000 yet I haven't heard word one about it from any sports talk television or radio shows. Man. Maybe they will when he gets within a couple hits.

[Lefty Noob]

Hey, just a head's up, stepay... we're running a Biggio countdown in our Astros forum: Craig Biggio - countdown to 3,000

[stepay]

Cool. Thanks Lefty Noob. I'll check it out.

[azrael492]

I am on the fence with Biggio. He was good at his position, but was he great? I will have to look over his stats when I get the chance to see if I am mistaken. He has had a long career, but I don't think that should get a player into the Hall.

[stepay]

azrael492,

While you consider, please consider the following:

1) 3,000 hits (he's just 4 away as of this writing).

2) 286 Homeruns and over 1,100 RBI as primarily a second baseman.

3) 658 doubles (6th all time!).

4) 413 stolen bases including 50 in one season.

5) 7-time All Star.

6) 4 Gold Gloves.

7) 5 Silver Slugger awards -- 1 at catcher and 4 at 2nd base.

Led the league twice in runs scored and is 15th all time.

9) Started (and played significant time) as a catcher, 2nd baseman, outfielder. Played other positions too.

I know he's not the greatest player ever, and there are things people can point to which shows maybe he's just a little better than average (.282 career batting average, only 4 seasons above .300 and just one 200-hit season).

As you're familiar with the Reds, Joe Morgan got in the Hall of Fame with considerably lesser stats. .271, 2517 hits, 268 HRs, fewer RBIs yet TWO MORE SEASONS played to date. I know it was a different time then, but it's not like Morgan played in the dead ball era.

With the 3,000 hits, I can't see how anyone could keep him out, especially with all the other things he did.

Hope that's enough for you to look at.

Steve

[suedon70]

Originally Posted by stepay

azrael492,

While you consider, please consider the following:

1) 3,000 hits (he's just 4 away as of this writing).

2) 286 Homeruns and over 1,100 RBI as primarily a second baseman.

3) 658 doubles (6th all time!).

4) 413 stolen bases including 50 in one season.

5) 7-time All Star.

6) 4 Gold Gloves.

7) 5 Silver Slugger awards -- 1 at catcher and 4 at 2nd base.

Led the league twice in runs scored and is 15th all time.

9) Started (and played significant time) as a catcher, 2nd baseman, outfielder. Played other positions too.

I know he's not the greatest player ever, and there are things people can point to which shows maybe he's just a little better than average (.282 career batting average, only 4 seasons above .300 and just one 200-hit season).

As you're familiar with the Reds, Joe Morgan got in the Hall of Fame with considerably lesser stats. .271, 2517 hits, 268 HRs, fewer RBIs yet TWO MORE SEASONS played to date. I know it was a different time then, but it's not like Morgan played in the dead ball era.

With the 3,000 hits, I can't see how anyone could keep him out, especially with all the other things he did.

Hope that's enough for you to look at.

Steve

Excellent post. Biggio now has the 3,000 hits, and in my eyes should be a shoo-in for the HOF. Like you said, Joe "Legend In His Own Mind" Morgan made it into the hall with lesser stats. Let's give Craig his due....

Oh, yeah, I know this doesn't matter, but 20 years with the same club....amazing!!!