[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 123 (Monday, July 30, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H8838-H8839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING CRAIG BIGGIO OF THE HOUSTON ASTROS FOR REACHING 3,000 BASE 
                                  HITS

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further 
consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 501) commending Craig Biggio 
of the Houston Astros for reaching 3,000 base hits as a Major League 
Baseball player and for his outstanding service to baseball and the 
Houston, Texas, region, and ask for its immediate consideration in the 
House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.

[[Page H8839]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows

                              H. Res. 501

       Whereas Craig Biggio has reached 3,000 base hits as a Major 
     League Baseball player and all while playing for the Houston 
     Astros with an unmatched hustle and work ethic;
       Whereas Craig Biggio is only the 27th player in Major 
     League Baseball history to reach this historic milestone, 
     joining such baseball greats as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Tony 
     Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ty Cobb;
       Whereas Craig Biggio is not only a member of the exclusive 
     3,000 hit club, but also holds the Major League record for 
     most games played with one team at 2,768 and counting over 
     the past 20 seasons;
       Whereas Craig Biggio is 7th all-time in Major League 
     Baseball with 653 doubles and should move into 5th place by 
     the end of the current season;
       Whereas Craig Biggio holds the Astros career records for 
     games played, at-bats, runs scored, hits, doubles, and extra-
     base hits;
       Whereas Craig Biggio is a tireless leader in the community 
     for charitable causes, serving for the last decade as lead 
     spokesperson for Sunshine Kids, which is an organization that 
     supports children fighting cancer and their families;
       Whereas Craig Biggio and his wife Patti have helped to 
     raise nearly $2,000,000 for Sunshine Kids and have impacted 
     numerous cancer-stricken families throughout the Houston area 
     by leading fun activities like attending Houston Astros, 
     Rockets, and Texan games and The Houston Livestock Show and 
     Rodeo;
       Whereas Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane, Jr. recently 
     stated, `No one has meant more to our community development 
     than Craig and Patti Biggio.'; and
       Whereas Craig Biggio has been honored with many awards to 
     recognize his distinguished contributions to the sport of 
     baseball and to the community, including the Hutch Award in 
     2005 for resilience and always showing a fighting competitive 
     spirit, and being named one of Sporting News' Good Guys in 
     2004 for all his community service work off the field: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros for 
     reaching 3,000 base hits as a Major League Baseball player;
       (2) recognizes his outstanding service to the community 
     through his charitable work and dedication to the Houston 
     Astros organization; and
       (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to Craig Biggio of the 
     Houston Astros and to Astros team owner Mr. Drayton McLane, 
     Jr. for appropriate display.

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on June 28, 2007, Mr. Craig 
Biggio is the 27th professional baseball player in major league history 
to make 3,000 base hits. He is the ninth to do so while playing all of 
his games with one team.
  In 1988, Mr. Biggio began his distinguished career with the Houston 
Astros as a catcher. In 1992, hoping to extend his career, the team 
moved him to various positions, first to the outfield, then to second 
base, where he is currently playing. He is the only player to be named 
an All-star as both catcher and second baseman. After playing baseball 
for 20 years, he has announced his retirement at the end of this 
season.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Kevin Brady for 
introducing this legislation and urge the swift passage of this bill.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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