HOUSTON - Craig Biggio played for the Houston Astros longer than any other player in franchise history, donning the uniform for 20 seasons. [url=http://www.mexiconationalshop.us/Rafael-Marquez-Mexico-Jersey-Socce r/]Rafael Marquez Jersey[/url] .On Tuesday, he was rewarded for an illustrious career by

HOUSTON - Craig Biggio played for the Houston Astros longer than any other player in franchise history, donning the uniform for 20 seasons. Rafael Marquez Jersey .On Tuesday, he was rewarded for an illustrious career by becoming the first Astros player to be elected to baseballs Hall of Fame.Biggio called it a huge day for Astros fans.To be able to give this back to them now, Im happy, he said. They deserve it.Biggio, who played catcher, second base and the outfield, received 82.7 per cent of the votes and was elected along with pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. Biggio got 68.2 per cent his first year and came just two votes shy of being elected last year.The seven-time All-Star retired in 2007 with 3,060 hits, and his 668 doubles are the major league high for a right-handed batter. He holds the MLB record for times hit by pitches with 285 during a career that included 291 homers, 1,175 RBIs, 1,161 walks, 414 stolen bases and 1,844 runs.Hes the only player in MLB history have 600 doubles, 250 homers, 3,000 hits and 400 steals.As one-third of Houstons famed Killer Bs with Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, Biggio helped the Astros become the first team from Texas to reach the World Series in 2005. Despite being swept by the Chicago White Sox, Biggio said helping the team to the World Series was his greatest moment with the Astros.For Jeff and I we were just two East Coast kids that came to Texas and just loved to play baseball, and thats all we wanted to do, Biggio said. And our big dream and goal from Day 1 was always to get to the World Series.Bagwell was thrilled at Biggios election.He played as hard as anyone in the world, Bagwell said. He was an amazing player and an amazing teammate that I appreciated a great deal. My career would not have been as successful if it were not for him. I am very happy for him.There was but a tinge of disappointment in Biggios big day. Bagwell fell short of the 75 per cent needed for election with 55.7 per cent in his fifth year on the ballot, up from 54.3 per cent a year ago.I kind of miss my boy up here right now, Biggio said, adding Bagwell is no doubt a Hall of Famer. Hopefully something positive happens in the next year or two.Astros fans around the country took to Twitter to express their excitement. Texans star J.J. Watt, who often dons Astros hats, simply tweeted Biggio!!! moments after the announcement.Barbara and I join Houston Astros fans of all ages — and fans of baseball, period — in congratulating our dear friend, Craig Biggio, on his selection to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, former President George H.W. Bush said in a statement. He was one of the Killer Bs, known for his sterling leadership both on and off the field. And during the course of his remarkable career he set the highest standard for both performance and professionalism.Biggio was all smiles while joined by his family at a news conference.I woke up at 4:30 and was sick as a dog and nervous as heck, he recalled.His wife Patty had never seen him like he was on Tuesday morning.He was sweaty and his face was splotchy, she said. He was very nervous. Had to keep moving.So at 7 a.m. Biggio lifted weights and ran. Still amped, he went on a 2-mile walk a bit later to try and calm down. That didnt ease his nerves, so he came back and threw batting practice to his sons.When the call finally came, a relieved Biggio wept and hugged and high-fived his wife and children while still on the phone.Craig worked so hard every day and its so nice to see his hard work recognized in the best way it could be, Patty said.Biggio had a walk down memory lane to his childhood days back on Long Island, outside New York City. During a conference call with reporters, Biggio thought back to a job he had before Houston made him a first-round pick in 1987.Growing up in Long Island, I delivered your newspaper, by the way — Newsday, he told a reporter. I had a newspaper route for many, many years. It was my brothers and then my sister, and then it went down to me.___AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. Jose de Jesus Corona Jersey . Prado stuck his glove down with Colorados Charlie Blackmon sliding into the bag, and quickly jumped back in pain after applying the tag. Prado held his left wrist as trainers came out of the Diamondbacks dugout to check him. Miguel Layun Jersey . Fognini won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 after Argentinas Carlos Berlocq had beaten Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 on the outdoor clay surface. Doubles are set for Saturday with reverse singles on Sunday to decide which team reaches the quarterfinals. http://www.mexiconationalshop.us/Hugo-Ayala-Mexico-Jersey-Soccer/ . These teams will see plenty of each other in the next few weeks as three of the Canucks next nine games are against the Wild (after today they meet February 9th in Minnesota and again February 16th at Rogers Arena).PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Carter-Williams has something to show for being a bright spot in a dismal season for the Philadelphia 76ers. Carter-Williams won the NBAs Rookie of the Year Award on Monday after becoming only the third player since 1950-51 to lead all rookies in scoring (16.7), rebounding (6.3) and assists (6.2). Oscar Robertson (1960-61) and Alvan Adams (1975-76) were the others. Despite the performance of their dynamic guard, the Sixers were awful this season. They were 19-73 and tied an NBA record by losing 26 straight games. "Id definitely trade this award to be in the playoffs in a second," Carter-Williams said. "Coaches tell me to watch the playoffs to look at how different the game is and I do see it. Its a whole different season. This game is about winning. I hope I set a positive example about leading your team in a good way no matter what. I hope guys that come in know the core of this team takes things seriously and we want to build something special." Carter-Williams received 104 of a possible 124 first-place votes. The Orlando Magics Victor Oladipo finished second and Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz was third. "Michael made an immediate impact on the court this season, but his dedication, professionalism and contributions to both the organization and the Philadelphia community make him all the more deserving of this award," Sixers owner Josh Harris said in a statement. "This is an incredibly proud moment for the 76ers and one we are thrilled to share with him, the city and our fans." Allen Iverson is the only other player in Sixers history to win the award. The 11th overall pick from Syracuse in last years draft, Carter-Williams is the first player picked 10th or lower to win since Mark Jackson did it in 1987 for New York. "Michael performed and represented the Sixers organization this past season in a manner befittting of the 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year," said co-managing owner David Blitzer. Alfredo Talavera Jersey. "He never stopped working from the moment he burst onto the national scene in our home opener through the final horn at last game of the season, and we are proud to congratulate him on this well-deserved award." Carter-Williams had a spectacular debut, posting 22 points, 12 assists and nine steals to lead the Sixers to a stunning 114-110 victory over the two-time defending champion Miami Heat. He was the second rookie after Shaquille ONeill to be the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in his first week in the NBA. "By opening night, it was clear to us that Michael belonged," Sixers President Sam Hinkie said. "This award marks a lifetime of hard work. ... We congratulate him on this unique achievement and look forward to helping him put in the work necessary to garner even greater success in the future." First-year coach Brett Brown had enough confidence in Carter-Williams to give him the responsibility of leading the team on the court. They traded away All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to clear the way for Carter-Williams. With an eye toward the future, the Sixers traded Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen in February. They have a 19.9 per cent chance at getting the No. 1 pick in this years draft and are also owed New Orleans lottery pick -- unless the Pelicans win a top-3 pick. With possibly two first-round selections, Carter-Williams and 2013 lottery pick Nerlens Noel returning from a knee injury, the Sixers could be a contender soon. "When I first got here, I really didnt know what to expect," Carter-Williams said. "I am not a person that trusts a lot of people. My circle is really close, especially when it comes to basketball, because everyone has an opinion. But I have a lot of trust in coach Brown." ' ' '