HOUSTON, Texas, July 24 - Houston Astros second baseman Craig Biggio, who this season became the 27th major leaguer to amass 3,000 hits, said on Tuesday he would retire after this season.

Biggio, who has been with the Astros for 20 years, is only the ninth player to reach 3,000 hits with one club.

"I'm going to miss putting my feet in the spikes every day," Biggio, 41, told mlb.com.

"I'm going to miss the dads coming up to you and thanking you for the way you played the game, the little kids coming up to you and asking for your autograph, seeing them smile and having a good time at the game."

Biggio, who began his career as a catcher with Houston in 1988, is batting just .247 this season but stands 24th on the all-time hits list and sixth in doubles. He has stolen over 400 bases, hit nearly 300 homers and won four Gold Gloves.

"Retiring is not an easy thing to do," seven-times All Star Biggio said. "But it's time."