Biggio to receive Hutch Award Feb. 1 during annual luncheon

The 2005 Hutch Award will be presented to All-Star Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros during the Hutch Award Luncheon, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 1, at Safeco Field. Hall of Fame catcher and former Hutch Award winner Johnny Bench will be the event's keynote speaker.

Established to honor the late baseball great Fred Hutchinson, the prestigious Hutch Award is presented each year to a major-league baseball player who best exemplifies Hutch's fighting spirit and competitive desire.

"Craig Biggio is a consummate team player and clubhouse leader whose fighting spirit is expressed through his versatility," said Bob Adamonis, chair of the Hutch Award committee. "He inspires his teammates by his willingness to do whatever it takes to win a game. On top of that, Craig is, by all accounts, an active and compassionate player in the community."

In 2004, Biggio was named one of The Sporting News "Good Guys." He and his wife, Patty, are active in the Sunshine Kids, a support organization for children with cancer and their families, raising $1.8 million for the group by hosting the annual Sunshine Kids Celebrity Golf Classic. The Biggios also hold an annual baseball party at Minute Maid Park, at which more than 100 children with cancer play baseball with Biggio serving as pitcher, and a holiday party at the Sunshine Kids house that the Biggios helped restore and furnish.

The Hutch Award Luncheon is presented by General Motors Corporation. Other sponsors include Costco Wholesale, Chris and Donna Ishii, Union Bank of California and American Airlines.

For more information, contact Eileen Harasimowicz, (206) 667-4149 or www.fhcrc.org/hutchaward.