RIP - Roger Craig

 

Roger Craig, a pitcher for the Dodgers and others from 1955-1966, passed away on June 4, 2023 at age 93.

Craig broke in with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. Usually a swing man, he was strictly a starter in 1956, and posted a career-high 12 wins that season. 

 

After 7 seasons with the Dodgers, Craig was selected by the Mets in the expansion draft and spent 2 seasons in New York. He led the National League in losses both seasons (24, 22) but, you know, they were the Mets. 

 

He played for the Cardinals, Reds, and Phillies in his final 3 seasons. 

 

Craig was a pitching coach for the Padres, Astros, and Tigers from 1969-84, and managed the Padres from 1978-79, and the Giants from 1985-92. 

 

ESPN obituary 

   

Seasoned Veterans

 

Here are the 9 oldest living players who saw action after the 1965 season. They are all over age 90, with Elroy Face leading the pack at 95. 

 

Many of them retired after the 1966 or 1967 season, but Willie Mays played through the 1973 season (including the World Series).

How old are these guys? 

- Willie Mays played in the Negro Leagues in 1948. 

- Ray Herbert and Vern Law made their MLB debut in 1950. 

- Al Worthington and Willie Mays played for the New York Giants. 

- Dick Groat played NBA basketball with the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1952.