The New York Mets “star” pitcher — who turns 81 today — lost 46 of 51 decisions in the team’s first two seasons (but still complete 27 games). Throw out 1962-63 and Craig, who broke in with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 and finished with single seasons on the Cardinals, Reds, and Phillies, was a pretty respectable 59-52 with a decent 3.83 ERA.
After his playing days, Craig became one of the premiere pitching coaches of the 1980s, proving that those who can, do and those who can’t, teach. He also managed the Padres and Giants, whom he led to the World Series in 1989, the year of the earthquake.
Craig published a book about the World Champion Detroit Tigers in 1985: Inside Pitch: Roger Craig’s ’84 Tiger Journal
Also born this date: Wally Pipp, whose name will always appear in any book about Lou Gehrig. Pipp played for 15 seasons; someone should do his story. Somewhere, McFarland is calling.
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