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Adding Roger Craig to the Mets Roster
Date: 1962 Season
With their sixth pick in the expansion draft, the Mets brought in former Brooklyn Dodgers World Series hero Roger Craig. “I knew I would be on the list for the new clubs and I was happy about it,” said Craig early in 1962. “I was praying I’d be picked by New York. I’ve never been this happy since I’ve been in baseball. I’m respected here and the manager [Casey Stengel] has a lot of confidence in me. I’ll break my neck to show my appreciation.” Craig became the ace of the Mets staff and won 10 games in 1962 – a hearty accomplishment for a team that only won 40 all season – but because the early teams were so bad, Craig led the National League in losses in both 1962 and 1963.
From the collection of Andy Fogel (photo by Heritage Werks)
