Major league pitcher and manager Roger Craig has died at the age of 93, according to the San Francisco Giants. Craig managed the Giants from 1985 to 1992 and was best known for it later in life.
“We have lost a legendary member of our Giants family,” Giants President Larry Baer said in a statement. “Roger was loved by players, coaches, front office staff and fans. He was a father figure to many, and his optimism and wisdom led to some of the most memorable seasons in our history. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Carolyn.” , his four children Sherri Paschelke, Roger Craig Jr., Teresa Hanvey and Vikki Dancan, his seven grandchildren, his 14 great-grandchildren, and his extended family and friends.
Craig coached the Padres in 1978-79 but then posted a 586-566 record in his more than seven seasons at the helm of the Giants. He had a track record in each of his first five full seasons. He won the division twice, including in 1989 when the Giants won the NL pennant in San Francisco for the second time and for the first time since 1962.
Craig also played portions of 12 seasons in the majors. He was with the Dodgers, both in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, prior to the Mets’ expansion, and then ended his career with one-year stints with the Cardinals, Reds and Phillies.
Craig made his debut with the Dodgers in 1955 and started once in the World Series, which the Dodgers won. His best year was 1959, when he achieved a 2.06 ERA and finished 13th in MVP picks. The Dodgers won the World Series again that season. He made two appearances in the 1964 World Series for the Cardinals and won his third ring.
Overall, Craig pitched in 368 games and managed 1,475 games.