Mar 11 2009
Keltner List - Craig Biggio
1. Was he ever regarded as the best player in baseball? Did anybody, while he was active, ever suggest that he was the best player in baseball?
No.
2. Was he the best player on his team?
Biggio was generally overshadowed by sluggers Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman.
3. Was he the best player in baseball at his position? Was he the best player in the league at his position?
Biggio was one of the top second baseman for many years but can really only point to one season where he could be considered the top player.
4. Did he have an impact on a number of pennant races?
Biggio’s Astros had a few runs into October but ultimately came up short.
5. Was he a good enough player that he could continue to play regularly after passing his prime?
Biggio was a below average hitter late in his career as he pushed for 3000 hits.
6. Is he the very best player in baseball history who is not in the Hall of Fame?
No.
7. Are most players who have comparable career statistics in the Hall of Fame?
Yes
8. Do the player’s numbers meet Hall of Fame standards?
Yes.
9. Is there any evidence to suggest that the player was significantly better or worse than is suggested by his statistics?
While Biggio compiled a number of counting stats, he never had the types of seasons that made you think he was one of the top guys.
10. Is he the best player at his position who is eligible for the Hall of Fame but not in?
No.
11. How many MVP-type seasons did he have? Did he ever win an MVP award? If not, how many times was he close?
Biggio had just one MVP-type season where he hit for high average and stole a high number of bases.
12. How many All-Star-type seasons did he have? How many All-Star games did he play in? Did most of the other players who played in this many go to the Hall of Fame?
Biggio had perhaps six or seven all star type years.
13. If this man were the best player on his team, would it be likely that the team could win the pennant?
No.
14. What impact did the player have on baseball history? Was he responsible for any rule changes? Did he introduce any new equipment? Did he change the game in any way?
Biggio changed positions from catcher to second base to centerfield and back to second base. He was the ultimate team player and holds the record for hit by pitches.
15. Did the player uphold the standards of sportsmanship and character that the Hall of Fame, in its written guidelines, instructs us to consider?
Biggio was always considered a top of the line ball player when it came to character and sportsmanship.
Biggio is a likely hall of famer. While he was never one of the best players during his career he played long enough to compile 3000 hits – long considered a “magic number” for hall of fame enshrinement. His strong character and reputation should see him get in in his first five years of eligibility.
