RSS FeedTwo 1990s Legends Reach Milestones
Posted by ryan on June 29, 2007
There’s obviously tons of players that go hand-in-hand with Major League Baseball in the 1990s. There’s Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux. Right below that? Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas, who have continued to chip away at hallowed baseball achievements. Both of their chases completed yesterday, with Biggio gaining his 3,000th hit and Thomas hitting his 500th career homer.
Biggio became the 27th player in MLB history to reach the remarkable 3,000 hit plateau, a testament to his incredible longevity. Biggio came up with the ‘Stros in 1989 and has played through three different uniform eras with the team. He’s had to change positions several times but hasn’t stopped hitting. In a way, I think he’s been underrated for much of his career. Seeing fellow Astros legend Jeff Bagwell come out to congratulate Biggio was a nice touch. I’m sure he feels a bit extremely slighted by the organization. But that didn’t stop him from coming to congratulate his friend. The Killer B’s were together again last night.
Unlike Biggio, Frank Thomas has had to take his slugging services to new teams the last couple years. But he’ll be remembered for his time with the Chicago White Sox, where he slugged 448 homers and got a World Series ring. Having to reach this hallowed achievement with Toronto is a bit unconventional, but it’s not the first time a baseball legend has done something like it. Thomas celebrated his 500th jack by later running his mouth and getting ejected. I’d say that’s a first.
Week in Review 6-29-07 >> Sportable, Where Sports are a Lifestyle said,
June 29, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
[...] Congratulations Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas. [...]
Kevin said,
June 29, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
It’s pretty cool that Biggio got every hit with the same team. If you ask me, that’s almost the bigger accomplishment.
Here’s a question for you: does 3,000 hits get him in the Hall of Fame? I say not.
ryan said,
June 29, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
That’s one thing I’ve been debating also. He’s been around forever and has put up big numbers. But I don’t think I’ve ever considered him the best second baseman in the league. He’s been a very good player but I’m not sure if he’s been elite.
I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision.
Conor said,
June 29, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
Same goes for Thomas. 500 HRs doesn’t guarantee induction anymore. You can argue that it’s guys like McGwire, Sosa (sorry, I know how much you guys like him) and Bonds tainted that feat, but it’s not the same accomplishment that it used to be. But I think Biggio gets the nod because there aren’t too many 2nd basemen that can claim his level of success. Congrats to both.
Asita said,
June 30, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Big Hurt should be a hall of famer, not only because of his 500 home runs but the fact that his whole career he has been a dominant hitter. Having watched him for the better part of a decade when he was beating up on us in the AL central I can say without a doubt that he deserves a nod. Its funny how after a few injury plagued years people forgot how dominant Thomas was for the better part of the 90’s….
rich said,
June 30, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
I don’t think there’s any argument as to whether or not he’s in the hall of fame. over 3,000 hits and being so durable throughout his entire career (over 400 HBP’s) put him in there. he’s played entire seasons at 2nd base, outfield, and catcher. the only player in mlb history to do so.