Astros event extra special to Thunder player
June 6, 2006 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
HOUSTON - It's been almost 15 years since Raquel "Rocky" Spencer met Houston Astros all-star second baseman Craig Biggio and on Wednesday she gets to see him again.
When Spencer was in the second grade a young Biggio and his wife stopped by a family friend's house to enjoy a pizza party. The meeting was extra special because it came one week before Spencer's young friend, Greg Smith, passed away from leukemia.
"Greg loved all sports," said Bonnie Spencer, Rocky's mom. "He and the girls would talk about all of their favorite teams and players, and then his all-time favorite was at the house."
According to the Spencer family, Biggio was genuine and gracious. He treated the girls (Raquel and Elizabeth) and Greg so graciously. "He was so genuine and kind," said Ms. Spencer.
The story doesn't end there for Raquel. Before Biggio left the Smith home he asked Spencer to sign a baseball for him. She did so at his request and he said he would hold it until she became a pro. And 15 years later she is a professional softball player with the Texas Thunder.
"To get a chance to meet him again as a professional athlete is a great opportunity," said Raquel. "He has always been one of my favorites and a player that a greatly admire."
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