Useless Records (Congratulations Mr. Biggio)

On June 29, Craig Biggio set the all-time major league record for being hit by a pitch, passing Don Baylor. Are we that starved for baseball news? Here's what Biggio said about the record.

I almost played for him [Baylor] one year. It was nice to be able to get it done here [in Colorado].

Get it done? Biggio has more career HBP than career home runs.

I remember Baylor getting hit a lot, and it was because he crowded the plate. He would not give in to the pitcher. Biggio isn't nearly as close to the plate. But Biggio will not move. He will not move even as the ball is coming at him. He sticks out that elbow pad and takes the hit. The Hall of Fame has asked for his arm pad. More than any other player, he violates the baseball rule requiring the batter to at least attempt to avoid the pitch.




Oddly, for the HBP that set the record, Biggio got tagged pretty good.




Remember, Biggio has more to "get done." Hughie Jennings is only 19 ouches away. If you can't get enough of Biggio's pursuit of the record, I've got just the place for you: PlunkBiggio.