Roger Craig, the first player to throw a pitch in New York Mets franchise history, has died

Major League Baseball lifer Roger Craig, who threw the first pitch in New York Mets history and went on to a lengthy managerial career in the big leagues, has died.

The Durham, N.C., native was 93.

The San Francisco Giants, who Craig managed for eight seasons beginning in 1985, announced his death.

“We have lost a legendary member of our Giants family.” said Giants’ president and CEO Larry Baer. “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. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his (family).’’

When the Mets played their first game in franchise history in St. Louis on April 11, 1962, it was the tall right-hander who started the game. He was the losing pitcher during an 11-4 decision to the Cardinals. Although he was a reliable starter for the Mets — he started a whopping 64 games in two seasons — he finished with a 15-46 record.

Craig, however, did experience a measure of success during a 12-year MLB career despite finishing with a 74-98 overall record with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. For starters, he had a respectable 3.83 career earned run average in the regular season and made four World Series appearances with the Dodgers (1955-56 and 1959) and Cardinals (1964). Not only was he a World Champion three times, but his two World Series victories were pivotal.

The Dodgers trailed the Yankees 3-2 in games during the 1955 Fall Classic when Craig was credited with a Game 6 victory. The Dodgers, of course, won Game 7 to give the franchise their first World Series title. Then, in 1964 with the Cardinals trailing 2-1 in games, he earned the win during a 4-3, come-from-behind triumph over the Yanks. The Cards went on to…