Houston Astros’ All-Time Best Seasons: Second Base

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1998: Craig Biggio

If you thought 1997 was a great year for Biggio, the Hall of Fame second baseman put on an encore with another remarkable season in 1998. Again, he helped lead Houston to another NL Central crown and playoff appearance. His stats (from Baseball Reference):

  • .325 BA/.403 OBP/.503 SLG/.906 OPS
  • 123 runs
  • 210 hits
  • 51 doubles
  • 2 triples
  • 20 HRs
  • 88 RBI
  • 50 stolen bases
  • 64 walks
  • 6.5 WAR
  • All-Star
  • Silver Slugger

Biggio finished 5th in MVP voting and led the league in doubles. He set career highs in hits (his only 200 hit season), runs batted in,  batting average, and slugging percentage. He led the team in hits, doubles, stolen bases, and batting average, and was second to Jeff Bagwell in runs scored. His 6.5 WAR is good for second in franchise history (behind himself).

1998 was the year Biggio joined Tris Speaker as the only players in MLB history to hit 50 doubles and steal 50 bases in the same season.

It’s easy for Houston fans to see why Craig Biggio deserves to be in Cooperstown, and 1997 and 1998 are two splendid examples of his outstanding play. His franchise hits record would last for another 15 seasons.

Next: 2014: Jose Altuve