During the 1990's Craig Biggio redefined baseball for the city of Houston. His stellar play and versatility coupled with a few other killer B's brought hope to the Astros. It was also during this time that the sitcom "Seinfeld" ruled network television and went on to become the most watched TV show of all time.

There was one particular episode in which the quintessential putz, George Costanza, divulges his favorite potential baby name to a pair of new parents (who ultimately steal it from him). George wanted to name his kid “7” after his favorite baseball player, Mickey Mantle.

Now in New York a parent might want to lay off christening their child as “7” because Mickey Mantle, while an immortal baseball figure, had some trouble off the diamond. Mantle was a womanizer and an alcoholic; not the best picture you want to paint for a potential son.

In Houston however, there should be plenty of 7's riding around in strollers and sucking on pacifiers. Houston's #7, Astros second baseman Craig Biggio, has set an example for aspiring baseball players everywhere for the right way to play the game, and the right way to lead a life.

Today Biggio announced his retirement following the end of the 2007 season, capping an illustrious career that will lead him right into Cooperstown. Over twenty seasons Biggio has done almost everything right, but more importantly has done almost nothing wrong.

His career means more than the records, the gold gloves, or the all-star games. His play on the field was representative of his demeanor off of it, both of which taught us, the fans, lessons on how to succeed in this life.

Leave it on the field. Look at Biggio's helmet and decide if he was the preening, dog it down the first base line on a routine grounder type of player. The dirt and grime on the faded helmet represent all those steals into second base with his face in the dirt, all those hustle plays in the field that define his career. You've got to hustle to stay alive in the bigs let alone any occupation.

Look at challenges as opportunities for success. The man came up into the big leagues as a catcher in 1988. By 1991 he was a National League All-Star at the position. In 1992, the organization decided that a switch in position could extend his career and amplify his speed as catcher's generally sabotage their legs. Biggio did not complain about the rarely successful switch, but embraced it and went back to the All-Star game the very next season, marking him the first player to do so at catcher and second base. He also hit a career high 24 home runs in 2003, a year in which he was asked to play outfielder. Why complain when you can embrace the challenge and find a path to success?

Stay Loyal, and stay tough. In this era of big money and free agency, #7 probably had some offers to leave the city and make bigger bucks somewhere else. Being from Smithtown, NY, it could have been very tempting to make a new life on the east coast. Instead, Biggio elected to remain in his new home of Space City, which allowed him to become the Astros' leader in games played, at-bats, runs scored, hits, doubles and extra-base hits. During this time he also managed to break the modern era hit-by-pitch record. Rewards are reaped through persistent loyalty and toughness.

Be charitable. Money and celebrity open up doors to help the community, and Craig Biggio sets a great example on how to walk through these doors. He has been the spokesman for the Sunshine Kids Foundation for most of his MLB career, donating time and money to help make life more enjoyable for kids with cancer. Numerous awards have recognized him for this effort and others, proving that charity benefits yourself in addition to those you are helping.

In a city that boasts one of the best youth baseball scenes in the country, each adolescent player should aspire to be a man like Biggio first, and a player like him second. We love you Craig, and we'll miss you, but your legacy and your lessons will remain living in every little leaguer with #7 on his back.