Tug McGraw Dies At Age 59

World Series Pitcher and Father of Singer Tim McGraw Is Dead

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/baseball/mlb/01/05/obit.mcgraw.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
If you were a baseball fan in the seventies, you will remember Tug McGraw as the pitcher that coined the phrase "You Gotta Believe." That was the rallying cry for the NY Mets in those years.

Tug McGraw was a starting pitcher for the Mets in 1973 when, seemingly against all odds, they won the National League pennant. More than just a starter, Tug was a fan favorite for his irreverant (and sometimes off color) sense of humor. When asked by a reporter if he preferred an artificial surface such as the Astro Turf in Houston's stadium to natural grass, Tug replied "I don't know. I never smoked any Astro Turf."

Tug played on three World Series teams, including the Miracle Mets of 1969 and the 1980 Phillies. By 1980, he had become the Phillies closer. He struck out Willie Wilson to end the World Series, waited on the mound for Phillies All-Star third baseman Mike Schmidt to come by and then jumped into Mike's arms.

Tug was the father of singer Tim McGraw and the father-in-law of singer Faith Hill.

We'll miss you, Tug.

Tug McGraw quotes are at: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/quotes/quomcg.shtml
2,803 views 4 replies
Reply #1 Top
I was sorry to hear the news about Tug. I had the honor of meeting him personally once in Atlantic City. I was there working as an airbrush artist. I made him a t-shirt with a baseball and his name "TUG" on it. He really liked it. He was there making a commercial at the time. He was a very nice person and will be sadly missed by everyone I'm sure. GCJ
Reply #2 Top
The troll bot brought this one up again, but as a Mets fan, I do miss him. Thanks for writing it.
Reply #3 Top
at least tug and tim got to patch it up before tug died.
Reply #4 Top
Thanks for te obit, Larry. Tug was one of baseball's true greats. I wasn't aware he was Tim McGraw's father, but I'm glad you mentioned it...it makes Tim WAY cooler in my books.

He will be missed.