Roger Craig throws second first pitch
Mets pitcher Roger Craig warms up before a game with the Chicago Cubs. (Aug. 9,1963) Credit: AP
As part of their tribute to the 1962 season, Roger Craig threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday's series finale against the Nationals -- 50 years after he threw the first pitch in Mets history.
Craig was the starting pitcher on April 11, 1962 -- the team's first game, an 11-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
"I really don't remember that much about it," he said of that game, in which he allowed five runs in three innings. "I wonder why? It was only 50 years ago."
Though he spent just two seasons with the Mets in 1962 and 1963, Craig led the pitching staff in 1962 in wins (10) and innings (233 1/3). He also was tied with Jay Hook for the team lead that season in complete games (13).
"It was just an honor to be able to start that first game," he said. "It was just an honor to be here."
Craig, who also started the last game in Brooklyn Dodgers' history, was a manager for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.