Few Major League Baseball players have ever been as versatile as Craig Biggio. Whether leading his teammates on the baseball diamond or making a difference in the community, the seven-time All-Star displayed a remarkable combination of adaptability and determination. In his 20-year career with the Houston Astros, Craig played anywhere the team needed him, taking the field as the club’s starting catcher, second baseman, and centerfielder – and earning four Gold Gloves along the way. Though his defensive roles changed, the five-time Silver Slugger maintained the highest level of consistency at the plate, collecting 3,060 career hits, 291 home runs, and 668 doubles – fifth-most in baseball history. Off the field, Craig easily adjusted to the role of national spokesman for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which provides support and fun activities for young cancer patients. A regular visitor to the Sunshine Kids house, he often wore the organization’s pin on his Astros cap. To help fulfill the organization’s mission, Craig annually hosts a baseball party at Minute Maid Park for more than 100 kids with cancer. He and his wife, Patty, also host a holiday party at the Sunshine Kids house, which the Biggios helped restore and furnish. His celebrity golf tournament has raised more than $2.5 million for the Sunshine Kids Foundation over the past 15 years. The 2006 “Heart and Hustle” Award winner, Biggio also received the 2005 Hutch Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of Fred Hutchinson, a former baseball player and manager who died of cancer at age 45. With consistency and compassion, Craig has helped to fulfill the legacy of Roberto Clemente, whose remarkable abilities were only surpassed by his generosity of spirit.
Craig is the recipient of Major League Baseball’s 2007 Roberto Clemente Award.