One for the Team

For 20 years Craig Biggio has manned second base for the Houston Astros -- the longest such stint in the majors. So the club was seen as justified in letting Biggio fight through injuries (and their concomitant impediments to his skills) to try to reach a Cooperstown-ready 3000 career hits. Well, despite a constant thrum of criticism that said he should make like a race pit crew and retire, Biggio dinked that magic number three-thou in June and then cried about it, the big softie.

Now batting around .250 and boasting a gleaming Hall of Fame resumé, Biggio can’t be long for the National League. Still, he stands to reach one more major milestone around the time the Astros visit the Marlins. With his 287th HBP, Biggio will tie a 104-year-old record for most career times hit by a pitch; as of late July, he was two shy. He’s splitting time now with his understudy, Chris Burke, so he might not even start in Miami. But root for the Marlins to throw hard at him when the Astros come to town today at 1:05 at Dolphin Stadium. Tickets start at nine bucks. Roll old-school and buy them at the gate, or get them by calling 954-523-3309 or visiting florida.marlins.mlb.com.
Sun., Aug. 5, 1:05 p.m.