Biggio's Farewell Tour Officially a Novelty Act

I don't think he gets the national respect he really deserves (and his performance this year hasn't helped any) but Craig Biggio has truly had a remarkable career. He broke into the majors as a catcher before becoming a four-time Gold Glove winner at second base and then a (barely) serviceable center fielder. His career has truly gone full circle, though, as he's been back at second base the last few years and will return behind the plate for at least an inning or two on Saturday. From MLB.com:

Biggio originally had planned to catch Roy Oswalt on Friday, but after the right-hander shut it down for the year, Biggio turned to [Brandon] Backe, for two reasons. He doesn't throw too hard, and he figured Backe would get a kick out of pitching to someone he admired as a young Astros fan in the late 1980s and '90s.

Biggio was right on both counts.

"I guess it's kind of fitting for someone that grew up watching him as a catcher, and basically throughout his career," Backe said. "To be able to pitch to him ... that would be in a way pretty special to me. I don't know who's getting the better end of the deal, him or me, but it should be pretty interesting and I'm excited."

I can understand the sentimentality involved, but it seems a bit contrived. I guess it's really not a big deal considering the Astros are assured of finishing no higher than fourth in the NL Central, and their opponent, the Braves, are also on the outside looking in to the playoffs. But if this game is truly a meaningless exhibition, why not let every player try a different position? Put Carlos Lee on the mound, Lance Berkman at shortstop, Brad Lidge in center field. Heck, hold a fan raffle for the right to play left field for an inning. The final score may resemble a beer league softball game but at least it'd give the fans a reason to show up.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

9-28-2007 @ 2:12PM

Darlucky said...

i think it's pretty cool. wouldn't be surprised if 90%+ of your readers disagree with you

9-28-2007 @ 1:58PM

Stu said...

Craig Biggio is a class act and I think he is one of the few baseball players/athletes/entertainers that I would pay the price of addmission to see play. I wish him luck and hope that he can share his passion and love for the game in life to a few who need to learn about the game of life, and not such about money, sex, drugs, and whatever else maybe on there agenda then the game itself. Good luck and I tip my hat to another legend like that of Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, the gentleman of the game. Oh yes one other like this was Paul O'Neil, and a few do remain, Jorge Passada, Derek Jeter just the names of a few. Thanks.

Stu

9-28-2007 @ 2:01PM

Jordi said...

Did you complain when A-Rod moved over for Ripken in the all-star game a few years back? Just checking. It's respect. Like in the chance you write the next great American novel and Fanhouse lets you pen one more post for the memories. Respect.

9-28-2007 @ 4:46PM

August West said...

As a long-time Astros fan and a huge supporter/fan of Biggio, I saythe guy can play second base on a Segway if he wants to this week.

Maybe not that far, but this is FAR from a novelty act. the guy was a gold glove catcher... he;s not moving to short stop just because he 'wants to give it a whirl'...

Next year, baseball will be worse for not having Craig Biggio on the diamond everyday.

9-30-2007 @ 2:10AM

Justin said...

Your point is rather stupid. The whole reason why he wants to catch a few innings is because he used to BE a catcher and it has sentimental value. You say "Put Carlos Lee on the mound, Lance Berkman at shortstop, Brad Lidge in center field. Heck, hold a fan raffle for the right to play left field for an inning." The thing is, none of these players have every played that position, so that makes no sense. Having Biggio catch is not, by any means, a random act, nor is it for novelty; it has purpose. He didn't wake up and say, "I wanna catch before I leave because I've never done it before." Heck, look at the picture that accompanies YOUR article and you'll see he started as a catcher!

9-29-2007 @ 12:10AM

Jen said...

You just said that he doesn't get the national respect that he deserves, then you decide to belittle him by calling it a "novelty act" because he wants to catch a couple of innings at the end of his career beginning his career as a catcher?

That's pretty weak.