“My Second Dad..”: Hours After Tragic Death News Shakes MLB World, 6X All-Star Shares a Heartbreaking Note

The MLB world has been shaken up by the sad news of the passing of a legend. Roger Craig, legendary manager of the San Francisco Giants, passed away a few days ago. He was 93. Rather well-known by his nickname ‘Humm Baby’, everyone loved Craig for his positive and passionate demeanor. He inspired his players to give their best and helped lead the Giants to two National League West titles and the 1989 World Series. In fact, the team’s 1989 NL championship was their first in 27 years, led by Craig.

While many have been sending love to his family on social media, one former player sent his own condolences. Will Clark, who played for the San Francisco team from 1986-1993, considered Craig his ‘second’ father.

Will Clark shares a heartfelt message for Roger Craig

Clark is a decorated player in the Giants’ organization who contributed a lot to the team during his 7-year run in San Francisco. The former first baseman retired in 2000 after his career fizzled out due to injuries but he had the good luck of having played under Craig. The duo was employed by the Giants at around the same time for almost the same duration and they struck up a deeper bond than that of manager-player. In fact, Humm Baby was like a father to Clark.

“Humm Baby, my second dad and the man who taught me the game of baseball. It was my pleasure playing for such a great manager and person!!” Clark wrote in a recent tweet. “Please make sure all of the guys up there in heaven are gamers!!! All my best to your wonderful family. Will Clark”

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Will the Thrill earned 6x All-Star titles in his career, as well as two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove award. Especially fond of Craig because he was his first manager, Clark told John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle, “He and I got along really well.” And the manager felt the same.

Craig was equally fond of Clark

In that same article, Shea wrote about what the renowned manager said in an earlier interview with the Chronicle. “It was some of the best times of my life with Al [Rosen] and Bob Lurie,” Craig said. “We had a lot of good, young players come up, starting with Will Clark and Robby Thompson.” 1986 was a special year when Clark played his best and reformed the Giants with Thompson at second base and Craig as manager. What a power duo!

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