Tribute to Biggio

If they were all like Biggio, it would be a wonderful world of sports

R. Justice
His legacy will be in the simplest things. He played the game the right way. He had his priorities straight. He believed it was important for a professional athlete to leave a legacy beyond the field. In ways large and small, he was the prototype for what they all should be.

His lasting legacy will be that he set an example for every player that walks into the home clubhouse at Minute Maid Park. Do it the way Craig did it, son. Be as much as perfectionist as he was. Be as charitable, too. Play with the passion he played with.

The truth is, there won't be another one like him. We were lucky to have him here for all 20 of his big league seasons. If he'd played somewhere else, they would have named a candy bar after him. Here in Houston, a lot of us named our kids after him.

He's not an emotional sort by nature, but there are times he has gotten choked up in recent years as he gazed into the stands and saw all those kids in their Bagwell and Biggio jerseys. Yes, he's reminded, we mattered.

He helped turn a franchise that hadn't done much of anything into one of baseball's most consistent winners. He arrived in 1988, Jeff Bagwell joined him in 1991 and the Astros were about to have the best run they'd ever have. This season we're reminded that winning isn't as easy or as routine as they made it look. I wonder if he'd like to be general manager. Or manager.

Beginning with the break-through season of 1997, Bagwell and Biggio led the Astros to six playoff appearances in nine years. Along the way, both established themselves as among the greatest playes in baseball history. Stat guru Bill James makes a compelling case that both are among the 50 best.

They didn't just produce on the field, either. They took care of business off it. Theirs was a perfect partnership. Bagwell was the good cop, the guy everyone liked. Biggio was tougher. He played with more of an edge. Some didn't appreciate his fire.

He had perfect role models. Alan Ashby took him under his wing. So did Billy Doran. Biggio replaced both of them in the lineup, and their unselfishness stayed in his mind forever.

Seeing him now in the twilight of his career it's hard for some to remember what he once was. For about five seasons, he might have been the National League's best player. He was a .300 hitter and a doubles machine, a base-stealer, a winner.

He announces his retirement a dead solid lock to be a first-ballot induction in the Hall of Fame. He'll walk through the doors of Cooperstown in 2013. Book your room now.

His resume is stunning: 3,014 hits, 661 doubles, 4 Gold Gloves, 7 All-Star Games and the Hutch Award, given annually to a player of character. I'll also remember that final day of the 2004 season, about an hour after the Astros had clinched a playoff berth.

I walked into a clubhouse that was a mess after the wild champagne party. Ice was strewn on the floor, sheets of plastic hung from he lockers. There sat Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, alone, laughing, sipping champagne. They could have passed for the two happiest guys on earth. Weren't we lucky?

Another Update

Approximately 240 Came To Know The Lord ( 2007-07-25)

Because of the previous day’s hike, the team was allowed to sleep in until 7am Monday morning. Just the little bit of extra time helped everyone feel refreshed. Tarakea, however, is much higher than Rombo, and therefore much colder as well. We had library time before breakfast, and then the team had an hour of free time to do some laundry/ bathing. During bath/laundry time we hear questions like, “So I get my bucket, then the water, and then my clothes to wash them?” Similar questions come about how to bathe. But the team still manages to stay clean. Since it’s cold and the roads are so dusty, bathing is mandatory. If a team member doesn’t bathe, they don’t go on the EV trips, and all of them want to go. Around 11:30 we left to go on another EV trip. We visited two schools in Tarakea. Our presentation included songs such as Shout to the Lord, Every Move I Make, All in All, and a team favorite, Yesu Ne Wangu. Elizabeth and Sean shared their testimonies, while Zach gave the message of the gospel. At one of the schools it was neat to see one Muslim girl raise her hand and say the prayer of salvation. In between the two schools, Peter surprised the team with a trip over the border into Kenya. We were only allowed in a few kilometers, to the village of Illiasit. Once there we walked around the streets, and the team was allowed to buy a Coke. It was a short visit, but it was fun to be able to say that we’ve all been to Kenya now. After returning to the church, we held a practice quiz-off. Katelynn was the only team member to quiz out, although Michael and Caleb came close. For evening devotions we practiced the song, You are Holy, for which the girls are still trying to memorize all the words for their part. Elizabeth led evening devotions and Hannah made a special snack, popcorn. Tuesday, we began the morning with Bible marking, the topic being the Word of God. Hannah prepared cinnamon toast and fruit bread for breakfast. After breakfast the team again had some free time, and some tried to finish their verse reviews. Around noon we left again for an EV trip. Again, we visited two schools in the community. Our program was similar to the day before, but this time Rachael and Chris shared their testimonies and Greg presented the Gospel. For both days in Tarakea, we estimate that about 240 students accepted Christ as their Savior. It’s really been a blessing to see so many come to know the Lord. Pray for the team members though that they keep their focus on telling others about Christ, as opposed to just taking pictures (they love to take pictures) and exchanging addresses. Chris has been our lead guitarist for all our presentations, which he really enjoys. For the song Yesu Ne Wangu there is a chorus where he uses his guitar more as a drum, unfortunately he hit it too hard during one of the presentations and cracked the body. Needless to say, he was pretty upset but thankfully we have three other guitars that other team members have allowed him to use to practice on. We had planned to travel back to Moshi, but because of time we were delayed until Wednesday morning. Unfortunately though, during the EV trip Hannah packed up the entire kitchen in preparation to leave. While waiting for purified water and dinner, the team had library time. Then we had another quiz off. The teams were the five shortest versus the five tallest- the shortest won that round. Then the teams were count off numbers one and eleven versus two and twelve versus three and thirteen and so on. Amanda Taylor and Cady (six and sixteen) won the second round. We awoke early the next morning to get ready for the drive back to Moshi. We had most of the kitchen supplies on the truck before the team even woke up. Then they took down their tents, packed their backpacks and loaded everything onto the truck. Because it was so early in the morning, and we were up in the mountains, it was very cold- especially for the team sitting on the back of the truck in the wind. When we arrived in Moshi, we stopped at a grocery and bought the team some doughnuts, bananas, and nutella for breakfast. They ate on the back of the truck. Thank you for your prayers!

Another Jaron Update

Wednesday, July 18, we traveled from Moshi. It was almost an hour and a half drive up the mountain to Rombo. We left late in the afternoon, so it was dark by the time we arrived at Tanzania Assemblies of God: Rombo. The drive up however was not uneventful. At one point the truck blew a flat tire. But because there were two tires we still managed to make it to our destination safely. I was proud of the team because when it happened, their first reaction was to pray, even though no leader told them to do so. The place where we were staying in Rombo was a church, but consisted only of a roof, under which we set up the tents. The storage building for the church was where Hannah set up the kitchen, as well as her sleeping area. (The stove barely survived the trip.) After the tents were set up we had quick devotions, led by Sean, and we all settled in for the night. The next morning many of us were surprised at how cold it was on the mountain (and many of us were unprepared for the cold weather). We planned to go to four schools the first day, but were only able to make it to two, Shauritanga and Mashati. It was around 2km there and back- the entire team walked, carrying both the puppet trunk and two guitars. Friday we visited the Kilamacho (a distance of 4km there) and Kisale (a distance of 2km there). During those two days we saw close to 300 students raise their hands to accept Jesus as their Savior. For the presentations at each school we sang songs such as Every Move I Make, Your Love is Amazing, Shout to the Lord, Every Little Cell (In My Body Is Happy), God of Wonders, All in All, Yesu Ne Wangu and Ne We We Tu Bwana, among others. Also, we began each presentation with having the students sing the national anthem of Tanzania, to make them a part of what we were doing. Another part of the presentation is the puppet show, which all the kids love. Jaron, Katelyn and Michael do the puppets, while Amanda Konzal, Amanda Taylor, Zach, Jesse and Cady take turns dancing. The team continues to practice songs in the evenings to build the list of songs they can sing during presentations. Amanda Taylor, Caleb, Zach and Sydney all shared their testimonies at the schools. Caleb also gave the message of the Gospel one day. Caleb led Thursday’s evening devotions, and Zach led Friday’s. Saturday, we planned to do an outreach in the community, since it was market day. The team did their own presentation order and it went well. There were close to 50 people that raised their hands at the end of Peter’s message. After the presentation we were invited to a national dinner at the Pastor’s house. While still at the Pastor’s house, Richard led evening devotions. Sunday morning we cleaned up our tent site so the church service could be held under the shelter. Hannah did a Bible study for the first session, and the team did their presentation for the second session. Greg also shared his testimony, and Peter gave the sermon. After the service and thanking every one of the church members for their hospitality, we prepared for our hike to the next place- Tarakea. It was a 21km hike, and the Pastor didn’t think the team could do it. Because of that, we (Aimee and the team; Peter and Hannah had gone ahead with the truck and all the kitchen supplies) left ahead of the guides, ready to get going, and met up with them further down the road. Once we got started the team was energized and excited that they finally got to do some backpacking. Also, because it was Sunday, many did their verse review to keep their minds occupied during the long trek. We hiked 11.5km before Peter and the Pastor met us with the truck at dusk. The team wanted to finish, so they reluctantly got on the truck. We drove to the Tarakea Assemblies of God Church where we set up camp and had dinner before gathering for prayer as we headed to bed for the night, since the hike was exhausting.

Another Update

Mt. Kilmanjaro BKPK, Tanzania Phone call from leader: They had presentations at two schools and 70 people came to know the Lord! Everything is fine with the team. They are on the mountain and email is not available.

Updates from Jaron's team...

July 13, 2007 -- (written by team leader) Greetings from Tanzania We thank all of you for your prayers. We made it to Kilimanjaro late yesterday, July 12,2007. We really went through one check after the other in London trying to identify our laggage and found out that the airline had lost a bag. We also found 2 bags in London that belonged to the Uganda team. Upon arrival in Nairobi, we again got delayed by the airline until we finally made it. Everyone is getting over with the jet lag. We are still missing 10 bags that did not make it to Kilimanjaro. Three of the nine are team members', one leader's and our back packs.




July 14, 2007 -- (written by team leader)We were planning to travel to the mountain today and pick up the supplies that we need for the kitchen but then our truck had a problem with the clutch plate. First it was the batteries, now the clutch plate which we hope to fix tomorrow then go to the mountain. After losing the 9 bags we realized that we have only ten backpacks but the team has been praying that the bags will be found and today the airline called and we are hoping to get them tomorrow after church. The team look forward to that. We had a few of the team members talk to the kids in the streets and many of them were touched and so thankful for what the Lord has blessed them with. We moved from Umoja, our base, out to Kiboroloni. The nights are cold and it is quite hot during day. The team has got quite a good attitude. They are so jolly and you can tell that many are really caught up with the vision. We plan on going to two orphanages tomorow, after which we hope to make it to the mountain. Continue praying for us, especially those that do not have their personal bags. Pray that we also get the other bags that have part of our food and backpacks. Also pray that the truck will get done as soon as possible so we get going. Kilimanjaro team




July 17, 2007 --(written by a member of the team) JESSE PACCHIOLI We pulled out of Boot Camp screaming and Caleb yelled “I am never coming back!” Ha! On the bus ride I fell asleep so I don’t remember much. When we were checking in they made us check in each person instead of the whole team, so took over an hour. Then we left to go to our flight right away, we were running behind on time. Security took so long, I guess the airline was just slow that day. We got there and the door was still open but the guy wouldn’t let us in. We missed our flight and waited like 6 hours but we couldn’t get another flight till 6 the next day. So we went back to Teen Missions for the night. The next day we got to the airport really early and made our flight nicely. Those 2 hours on the plane went by quick, I sat next to Richard. Our plane landed a little late so we walked off plane in D.C. to our next flight to England. I drank to much soda and didn’t feel right. That was the hardest plane ride, I couldn’t sleep. I don’t know how, but I started getting sick. The London airport was bad; we got settled in and then had to recheck-in our bags. At the time I was getting bad, I tried to get Benadryl but didn’t have the time. By the time we were done we had 2 hours in the airport left. I got my medicine and got a sandwich, it was expensive. I started to get even worse and fell asleep in the airport. We boarded our flight and I slept for 6 of the 8 hours to Nairobi. The other 2 hours I talked to Chris and to all my friends. During the flight a guy had gotten sick and the passed out. It smelled, but a doctor helped him to get back up after an hour of stuff. Also I woke up at least 3 times on the plane and had a slight fever. My leader gave me some Advil and I fell a sleep and woke up feeling fine, somewhat. In the Nairobi airport I bought a toothbrush and toothpaste and brushed my teeth. I also got as much water as I could because I was dehydrating. After the Nairobi flight we went on a smaller plane to Kilimanjaro and I slept for that too. After the flight I was filling out a visa application and I was fine when out of no were I got a horrible feeling and knew I was going to be sick, but I didn’t. After all that we lost so many bags, both of my bags are gone. I am praying that they will find them. We left the airport in a caravan that only held 13. We put 20 in and I am one of the smallest so it wasn’t good for me. We got to the place where were sleeping and it is so nice. The dinner was AMAZING. We are all still feeling bad and are about to go to bed. SUNDAY CHURCH Sunday morning we woke up early, planning to go to church with Mama Jared and her family. It was interesting to see what some of the team members were wearing to church considering 9 of our bags (including the guitars) still hadn’t arrived, and it had been almost a week. Jaron, Jesse, Amanda Tyalor, Cady and Aimee’s personal duffels were lost, so there was a lot of borrowing clothes that morning. Thankfully though the team was willing to help out. When it was time to go we walked up to the main road and again crammed into a van that would take all of us to the church, Assemblies of God Soweto. When we arrived the singing had already began and the church was almost full already. The atmosphere and the way the congregation was worshiping though had a feeling of excitement to it. I found myself not minding that the entire service was in Swahili or that I didn’t know any of the songs. I felt that God was there with us, and I could still worship Him on my own. At one point early in the service the pastor got up to introduce our team. For our presentation we sang the songs, God of Wonders, Sing Alleluia, Every Move I Make, Your Love is Amazing, Yesu nu Wangu, and Ne We We Tu (It’s Only You). Jesse and Amanda Konzal also shared their testimonies. The team was nervous about singing the Swahili songs and getting them wrong, but I think the congregation was excited enough that the knew a song (they joined in) that it didn’t really matter if the team was mispronouncing a few words. The service lasted for almost three hours, but it really didn’t seem that long. Afterwards we got to meet a few people, but for the most part we stayed together as a team until we headed back to Mama Jared’s for the afternoon. Petah went to the airport and that afternoon he brought good news, all our lost duffels had been found Thank you for praying. SUNDAY EVANGELISM Sunday afternoon we were given the opportunity to go on an EV trip. We drove 45 mins out the other side of town to Farajah Seminary School. (Teen Missions had previously built their first building, and just last year built another dorm for them.) Because it was an EV trip, the team wore the black skirts/pants and a blue collared evangelism shirt. The team may have been nervous about presenting again, but I think the feeling that they were finally able to get to do something that they came to do was more predominant. On the drive over, the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro emerged from the clouds- that added to an already beautiful afternoon made the sight amazing. When we arrived at the school we were greeting by the Second Headmaster and the Pastor for the school. Both seemed really thankful that we were able to come. Before taking us in to where the students were gathered they told us a little about the school and showed us a few of the buildings. When we entered the meeting place the Second Headmaster briefly introduced us, then gave the mic to Peter. He told them a few things about Teen Missions, and taught them a song from Boot Camp before handing it over to the team to do their presentation. The presentation was the same as they had practiced that morning in church. Chris, Elizabeth, Sydney, and Rachael all played the guitars (Thanks to God all the missing duffels and guitars had arrived safely earlier that afternoon, and aside from wet clothes packed last minute at boot camp there was nothing too wrong with them). And again, it went very well. The students joined in on the songs they knew. It was really neat to see so many teenagers praising God. Peter then talked on a passage from 1 and 2 Kings- about Elijah and Elisha, how we must know the point at which we turned away from God and turn back to Him. Several of the students stood up to re-dedicate their lives to God at the end of the night. Afterwards we were able to mingle with the students at the school, meeting a lot of them. It was hard to leave because just as we were getting comfortable, it was time to leave. The school gave us Coke and made us some doughnuts to take back for dinner. That evening during devotions I noticed that the team seemed a little more inspired and prayed more for the people of Tanzania, especially for all the students they had just met. It will be amazing to see how God will continue to work through us on these EV trips, and even while doing construction in the future. Back at the house we had dinner, and prepared for evening devotions, which Amanda Taylor led. MONDAY On Monday the team was given the chance to do laundry and take showers. After devotions we also had a practice quiz-off which helped with the memory verses since many are still trying to finish their weekly review. Monday afternoon, after the Bible marking class, Peter arrived with the fixed TMI truck and we were given the opportunity to go to the Teen Missions Tanzania base Camp on the mountain to pick up a few supplies. It was a long drive up there and back, and cold- but mainly due to the wind and sitting on the back of the truck. Once up there we unloaded a storage bin and gathered several needed supplies before we move to the other mountain. We didn’t stay too long, just long enough to pack everything into the truck, but it was dark by the time we were able to leave. On the way back, a few of the girls decided to sing worship songs, so we listened and sometimes joined in all the way back to Mama Jared’s where a hot dinner was waiting for us. Michael led evening devotions that evening, which was quite encouraging.


I can't wait till he comes home! But I know he's having a blast there and is probably not even homesick. :-) Perhaps one day he'll be a full time missionary! That would be awesome! I might just have to go with him!

~MJ~

Summer So Far...

So hows everybody's summer been? Next month is August. School starts back! I'm ready to go back to a schedule that keeps me busy. There have been some really exciting highlights in my summer as of yet-- baseball games(some really great ones!), Biggio's 3000th, baby bunnies, going to a weekly Bible study with my "big sister" and having my friend Meagan helping me with Sonny. However, on a regular basis the summer has been kinda slow because Jaron is not here and JC is gone from 7:30am-5:30pm every week day. I only work 2 days a week so that leave 5 other days in which I must find occupation. :)

I've seen 4 movies this summer. Spider Man 3, Oceans 13, Surf's Up, and Ratatouille. I LOVED Spidy3 and Oceans 13. Surf's Up was a complete bomb. It was silly and had some rotten humor in it. Ratatouille was funny and cute but kinda goofy. However it was clean which earned it a big +! Has anyone seen Fantastic Four 2 yet? The first one was pretty corny but I heard the 2nd one was a nice step up even though it is still "fantastic." As in fantasy like. I'm thinking about going to see it. I never did see Pirates 3. Nobody gave it a really good review. Everything I heard was like this: "Better than the 2nd but not as good as the 3rd. Too many characters and a little confusing." So I'll not waste any money on it.

Well, can't think of anything else to say... hope every one is having an awesome summer!

~MJ~

Hunter Pence

I decided to dedicate this post to Hunter Pence because he has been such an exciting surpprise this year. He basically gave us a reason not to give up on the Astros. :)

More Pictures

~MJ~

New Post

Ok, here's the new post that was requested...





Pence being congratulated after a walk-off HR in the 13th last night! Go Pence!! Three walkoff HR's in the last week! How bout that?

This is the Biggio family on the big night.

This is Biggio and Bagwell on the big night. Biggio dragged Baggy on the field so he could have one last moment with him between the lines.

This is Carlos Lee. As you can see, he is NOT a happy camper. :):) I guess he didn't like the call...

This morning Jamie told me he found a snake. After we decided it was a corn snake I picked him up and (this is my favorite part!) marched to the boys room where JC was still snoozing in bed at 9:50 am!!! He was half awake when I went in there but when I put the snake in his face he was WIDE awake!! I never seen him sit up so fast that "early" in the morning! :):) It was great.

Well, thats all for now folks!!

~MJ~

We got a new computer! Its pretty nice!

Anybody want a boxer mix puppy? I have a friend who's giving some away. She's got two girls and two boys.

Anybody have any exciting plans for 4th of July? I don't know if we do... Dad won't be here so we might not do anything...

Go Astros!

God Bless,
~MJ~