HOUSTON – It's the number that has haunted Craig Biggio for the past year -- 74.8 percent. He needs 75 percent to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
But there's still hope for the former Astros slugger. This year's Hall of Fame class will be announced Tuesday afternoon, and there's a lot of support for the former All-Star.
It has been a long wait for Biggio. This marks his third time on the ballot. Many felt he should have earned his ticket on the first try. That didn't happen, and in 2014 he was robbed.
While the voting system has major flaws, it's not changing.
Former Astros manager Larry Dierker said it was "an honor" to manage Biggio.
"Few players stick with one team their entire career, but Craig Biggio is the exception," Dierker said.
For 20 years, he proudly wore an Astros jersey. If he gets the expected invitation Tuesday, he said it would not only be significant for his family but also for loyal Astros fans in Houston.
Biggio often played through pain but always produced. He retired in 2007 with 3,060 hits and was a seven-time All-Star after successful stints at catcher, second base and in the outfield.
While Biggio waits on entry to Cooperstown, so does former Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell who is Hall of Fame worthy as he enters his fifth year on the ballot.
Biggio said he spent time at his deer lease over the weekend before coming home Sunday night. He says reality has set in.
Biggio will wait with family and friends and he hopes it's good news when his phone rings.