The baseball world is mourning the loss of Roger Craig, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher and manager who appeared in three World Series. Craig passed away at the age of 93 on April 5, 2021.
Craig was born in 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He began his professional baseball career in 1949 with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played until 1954. During his time with the Cardinals, Craig was a part of three World Series teams, winning one in 1952. He also had a brief stint with the New York Giants in 1955 before retiring from playing in 1957.
After his playing career, Craig moved into coaching and managing. He was a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1969 to 1972 and then became the manager of the San Diego Padres from 1973 to 1975. He then went on to manage the Detroit Tigers from 1976 to 1979 and the Minnesota Twins from 1985 to 1986.
Craig’s most successful managerial stint was with the San Francisco Giants from 1985 to 1992. During his time with the Giants, Craig led them to two National League pennants and one World Series appearance in 1989. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1987 and 1989, and was inducted into the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame in 2010.
Craig was known for his enthusiasm and passion for the game of baseball. He was beloved by his players and respected by his peers. His death is a great loss to the baseball community, and he will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him.
Roger Craig will be remembered as a great pitcher, manager, and mentor who left an indelible mark on the game of baseball. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
