Aug. 5, 1963 - Slim right-hander Roger Craig of the New York Mets managed a slight smile yesterday and said “I don’t feel sorry for myself” despite having equalled the National League record for consecutive losses in a season by a pitcher. “I’ve got no defeatist attitude,” Craig declared. “If I walk out on the mount thinking I’m going to lose, I’ll quit this game.” Craig was beaten, 2-1, by the Braves for his 18th loss in a row this season. It put him within one of the major league record. It made his season record 2-20 and made it possible that he will equal or surpass last year’s futile performance of 10-24. “As long as I’m in demand, I’m happy,” he said. “This club tries hard, and I’m throwing good.” But he added that the last-place Mets had gotten him only 31 runs in 24 starts. “It’s a tough situation, boys, but I can’t pitch any better than I’ve been pitching,” he said. As for his throwing error that gave the Braves their second run in the sixth, Craig blamed himself. He emphatically defended first baseman Frank Thomas against any thought that Thomas might have gotten the throw, although he conceded Thomas was not entirely familiar with the position, playing it only occasionally. Craig sat in front of his locker, sipping a beer. He talked slowly and quietly. “It has been a long season,” he said. “But I’ll be back next year.”
