Charles Cox posted this nifty 1997 Craig Biggio card on Facebook and I couldn’t resist using it for this week.
There are so many different facets to it that make it a great card.
First, I know it says ‘Copyright 1998 APBA’ but occasionally the APBA Company would publish the cards the year after the season (and sometimes before). So I cross-checked Biggio’s 26-12 with the APBA Baseball Card 12 list.
Now on to the fun…
Biggio’s career was at its height in 1997 and this card shows it. He made the All-Star team seven out of eight years. He was another one of those five tool players and so much more.
Biggio hit .309 and slugged .501 for Houston behind 191 hits and 67 extra-base hits. That included 22 homeruns. He did this while playing every day for the Astros. He led the league with 146 runs and an amazing 34 hit-by-pitches.
Take a look at the number of steals. Biggio stole 47 while getting caught just ten times. In addition, he had 84 walks for the season in addition to his HBP count. And how many times did Craig Biggio ground into a double plays in 162 games? Zero. None. Zilch.
The Houston second baseman won the NL Gold Glove in 1997 in addition to the Silver Slugger award.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Totals | 162 | 156 | 744 | 619 | 146 | 191 | 37 | 8 | 22 | 81 | 47 | 10 | 84 | 107 | .309 | .415 | .501 |
Biggio’s bests
I’m going to start here… the 1997 Craig Biggio card has three 31s. I state that because I almost missed that. That’s pretty gutsy for APBA to do that for a player with 107 strikeouts. I’m not debating it necessarily but it’s worth pointing out. Would I hit and run with him up back in the ’90s? Probably not very often. I certainly wouldn’t do it with the new boards (but that’s an article for another day).
What really stands out on Biggio’s ’97 card is the two 42s. That’s usually reserved for players named Ron Hunt. His 34 HBP certainly warrant it though. In addition to the two 42s, Biggio has four 14s which makes this a great leadoff card.
What also makes this good for #1 spot is his speed. Biggio is fast and has a 15-11, a 25-11 and a 51-10. Because of the extra hit value from the steal numbers, Biggio is given just two 8s and two 9s.
Which brings me to Craig Biggio’s power numbers which are pretty good for a middle infielder from the 1990s. He received a 1-4-6 combination. That might seem paltry for someone who hit 67 extra base hits but keep in mind that Biggio played all 162 games and started 156 of them. He collected 744 plate appearances which led the NL.
12-25?
Finally, Biggio grounded into zero double plays in 1997 and received a 12-25, a 26-12 as well as other numbers that lend to twin killings such as 43-29. What gives?
This was before APBA card makers began issuing result numbers other than 25 at 12 for those that deserve it. I’m sure reprints have given him a 12-29 which makes more sense. No doubt, he would still roll into his share of double plays over the season but that change was long coming (thank you, APBA!).
Thank you, Charles!!
One of my favorite players Biggio. Good to know why he has a 25 at 12. Thank you !
“Because of the extra hit value from the steal numbers, Biggio is given just two 8s and one 9.” Hi Tom – he has TWO 9’s. At 55 and 31. Cheers!
Thanks for catching that, Dan!
Grounded into zero double plays and yet there is a 25 at 12.