Roger Craig, a three-time World Series champion pitcher who also served as a longtime manager and coach, was remembered by the Hall of Fame after his passing on Sunday. The “Humm Baby” led the Giants for eight seasons (Doug McWilliams/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). His 586 victories rank third during the San Francisco period and sixth overall for the Giants.
The NFL announced its Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists last month. The list will be revealed in the first week of January. There are now only 15 candidates left on the list, and ballots will be mailed in. It’s about time Roger Craig made his debut on the semi-final roster.
There would be no debates and no need to put together strong arguments if he were an agent. Although Roger’s life statistics don’t make him a lock for the Hall of Fame, his reputation as a game-changer and Super Bowl victory put him on par with baseball great Kirby Puckett (RIP), who is also in the Hall of Fame.
The truth is that Craig has two or three openings. Bruce Smith and Rob Woodson are sure to be recognized. In several Pro Bowl appearances, tight end Shannon Sharpe has proven to be a formidable player. Along with Sharpe, Chris Carter, Terrell Davis, and Andre Reed are the other top offensive candidates vying for those important HOF votes.
8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, 13,100 total yards, 73 touchdowns, and three Super Bowl rings are among Craigs’ career stats.
Comparing Rodger’s stats to those of other Hall of Famers and then to those of the nominees will help us understand how he performed.
More than HOF members Larry Songka, Gail Sayers, Lenny Moore, and Ollie Matteson, but less than nearly half of Walter Payton’s career positions.
Roger had more yards than HOFers Thurman Thomas, Barry Sanders, Eric Dixon, and Tony Dorsey, but fewer yards than Marcus Allen (4,911 in 11 seasons vs. Allen’s 5,411 in 16 seasons). Franco Harrisdo, John Riggins, and Walter Paton. Just 551 receiving yards separate Roger from Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann’s career total (4,911 yards).
Only 278 yards more than O.J. Simpson overall, but Earl Campbell, Larry Csonka, Gayle Sayers, and Lenny Moore of the Hall of Fame have more yards.
HOF wide receivers Steve Largent (14 vs. Rodgers’ 11), Paul Warfield, Lynn Swann (more than twice), John Stallers, and Michael Owen have more receiving yards overall than the 13,100 total yards.
Only two more than O.J. Simpson, but more than Hall of Famers Larry Csonka, Ollie Matson, and Gayle Sayers.