Ex-MLB Pitcher and Manager, 4-Time World Series Winner, Dies at 93.

Former MLB Pitcher and Manager Who Won 4 World Series Titles Dies at Age 93

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Roger Craig, a former MLB pitcher and manager who passed away at the age of 93. Craig played for three championship teams during his major league career and then managed the San Francisco Giants to the 1989 World Series that was interrupted by a massive earthquake.

“We have lost a legendary member of our Giants family,” Giants President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer said in a statement. “Roger was beloved by players, coaches, front office staff and fans. He was a father figure to many and his optimism and wisdom resulted in some of the most memorable seasons in our history.”

Craig was a rookie on the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers club that won the franchise’s first title. He had a terrific season for the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers, who beat the Chicago White Sox in the World Series. And he made 39 appearances for the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals squad that topped the New York Yankees for the championship.

His best season came in 1959, when he went 11-5 with a 2.06 ERA in 29 games (17 starts), and his four shutouts tied for most in the National League.

A Life in Baseball

After his playing days were done, Craig became a renowned pitching coach for the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers — famously encouraging his charges to “humm, baby” in a low southern drawl.

Craig’s first job as a big league manager came with the Padres in 1978. He guided them to a 15-win improvement from the previous year and the first winning record in team history at 84-78. But he was fired after going 68-93 in 1979.

He was hired by the Giants in September 1985 and managed them through 1992, winning NL West titles in 1987 and 1989.

San Francisco beat the Chicago Cubs in the 1989 playoffs to capture its first National League pennant in 27 years, but the Giants were swept by the Oakland Athletics in a World Series billed as the Battle of the Bay.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodger pitcher Roger Craig, who won two World Series championships and was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the 1955 Fall Classic. Our thoughts are with the Craig family and his friends. pic.twitter.com/AJBRurUyR2

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 5, 2023

Craig finished with a 738-737 record as a major league manager, including 586-566 for San Francisco.

A Life Well-Lived

Craig was born Feb. 17, 1930, in Durham, North Carolina, and attended North Carolina State on a basketball scholarship before signing with the Dodgers.

The Giants said he is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his four children, Sherri Paschelke, Roger Craig Jr., Teresa Hanvey and Vikki Dancan; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Baseball has lost a true legend, but Craig’s impact on the game will never be forgotten.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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