Close, but oh so far away from Cooperstown. Longtime Astros standout Craig Biggio fell two votes shy Wednesday of making the Baseball Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility.
The three who made the Hall — Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas — all said they felt terrible for the gutsy second baseman who hit more doubles in the history of baseball than any right-handed hitter.
Nevertheless, despite all his accomplishments, Biggio’s 427 votes were two shy of the 429 needed for election. The two-vote deficit tied Nellie Fox and Pie Traynor for the smallest margin to just miss. Biggio received 74.8 percent of the vote, but 75 percent was needed for induction.
The good news for Biggio is Fox eventually gained entrance to the Hall by the veterans committee, 12 years after falling short in 1985, and Traynor was elected in 1948, the year after coming so close.
Biggio was disappointed, saying in a statement released by the Astros, “Congratulations to Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas. Obviously, I’m disappointed to come that close. I feel for my family, the organization and the fans. Hopefully, next year.”
Astros President Reid Ryan added: “The Astros and our fans know that Craig deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and it is good to know that 74.8 percent of the Baseball Writers agree,’’ Ryan said. “We’re hopeful it will happen in 2015.’’
For Biggio, who led all vote getters in 2013 with 68.2 percent, it really is wait til next year.