Roger Craig, an original 1962 Met, passed away at 93. He was raised in the Brooklyn Dodger farm system, accompanied them to LA and was drafted by the Mets in the expansion draft. He was a prototypical pitcher of that era, took the ball every fifth day, no matter what, and relieved when needed. Pitched better than his record, losing over 20 games in 1962 and 1963. He was a real workhorse and rarely, if ever, injured. Trading him to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 was a mercy to him, rescuing him from the really bad Met teams of that time. I can recall him losing something like 12 or 13 in a row at one point. He went on to a long coaching and managing career subsequent to his playing days. RIP, big guy, and condolences to his family.
Another player from a bygone time no longer with us.
Craig and Don Bessent at Ebbets Field
Humm baby!
Roger Craig and “split-finger fastball” will forever be linked in baseball history - ( New Window )
Felix Mantilla is still kicking.
Link - ( New Window )