Craig Biggio - Persistence

Craig Biggio—3002 Hits and Counting

This last Thursday night, June 28th, was a magic night at Minute Maid Park. Houston Astro’s Craig Biggio got his 3,000th hit during the 8-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. During the game, Biggio had 5 hits—with the last hit a classic Biggio single as he beat an infield grounder out for a single. This extended the game so that Carlos Lee could end it in grand fashion with a walk off Grand Slam Home Run. What a great night!

Over his 19 year career, Craig Biggio has demonstrated excellence as a Houston Astro—both on the field and off. In the words of his peers, he plays the game the right way. As I watched Biggio play, I remember watching him and how he always hustled and excelled as he played for the Astros. His is a future Hall of Famer. Look at the qualities of people who excel at what they do.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL WORK WITH ENTHUSIASM. Biggio has always had a great love and respect for the game, but he still plays the game with an unbridled enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter what the size of the audience. "Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men." Colossians 3:23

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS. They never stop developing... growing... learning... improving. "If the ax is dull, and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success." Ecclesiastes 10:10 Whether playing catcher, center field, or second base, Biggio was constantly honing his skills—he was never complacent.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL KEEP THEIR WORD. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they will do. They excel because people of integrity are rare in our society. "Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful they are, but just try to find someone who really is!” Proverbs 20:6 Reliability beats talent in the long run.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Even under pressure...or change...or unrealistic demands, they do not allow themselves to become negative. Biggio always pointed to the best in the team—even during difficult times. Complainers never excel at anything except complaining. "Do all things without grumbling or arguing...and you will shine out like a light in a dark world." Philippians 2:14-15 Remember "If the boss is angry with you, don't quit! A quiet spirit will quiet his bad temper!” Ecclesiastes 10:4

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL DO MORE THAN IS EXPECTED. Every successful person has discovered this secret. In learning new positions, Biggio constantly took extra practice to be the best he could be. You will never excel by doing only what is required -- the bare minimum. Jesus said, "If anybody forces you to go a mile with him, do more, go two miles with him." Matthew 5:41

Craig Biggio has dedicated most of his adult life to being an excellent professional baseball player. What is it that you have committed to you adult life to? In what area are you going to excel? Shouldn’t we as Followers of Jesus excel in life?