Former Mets and Phillies reliever Tug Mcgraw dies at 59

[Mitchell]

I just heard some very sad news on TV. Former Mets and Phillies reliever Frank "Tug" Mcgraw has died from brain cancer at age 59. Mcgraw was an important part of World Championship and Pennant winning teams in both New York and Philadelphia, and was known best for his battle cry of "Ya Gotta Believe" during the 1973 season that carried the Mets to within one game of the World Title. Reports say the baseball star died at the home of his son and daughter in law, country music stars Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill, in Nashville, TN. I never saw Tug pitch in person, as I lived in NY most of my life before moving here, and he left the Mets before my age of reason about baseball, but I've seen many interviews done with him, and saw he was a very fun loving, energetic, and charismatic guy. Rest in peace, Tug, you will be missed, and your contributions on the field will never be forgotten by your fans, or for that matter by any fan who knows the history of baseball.

Mitch

 

[TickledToDeath]

I just heard it myself.

I was about to post about this myself till I saw I was beaten to it!

One of my favorite Mets of all time.

Rest in peace Tug! "Ya Gotta Believe".


TTD

 

[milagros317]

That is really awful news. I've never been a Mets fan, but I had to admire the way he inspired that team in 1973. Rest in peace, Tug.

 

[Lazarus]

59....

Yet another former athelete taken before his time....



The new year is NOT off to a good start...

May Tug, and all those who have passed on, find the peace they deserve.

Rest in Peace, Tug...

 

[the_Baron]

very sad. especially since it looked as though he may have this thing licked.

he was a stand-up guy, and a great leader. rest in peace.

and thanks from all us phillies fans - 1980 was super!

 

[tommytikl]

One of the few athletes that was LOVED in two cities, New York and Philly that normally hate each other.
Tug was an amazing pitcher and person.
He will be missed.

 

[sceej56]

Good pitcher - great competitor! I remember in 1966(?) when the Mets were awful (like that's changed recently?) and a cocky 20 year old McGraw (a starter then) beat Koufax in a 1-0 complete game shutout. Funny thing about 1973 was it was only a mediocre year for McGraw except down the stretch when I had the feeling that Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams etc were not gonna beat us when McGraw came in - he could not be beat and he knew it!

 

[red indian]

So let me get this straight.........

....this guy is known for giving "relief"? and his knick name is "Tug"?....mmmmmm.......oh dear.....I,m waiting for the e mails.

 

[LBFT]

"Ya Gotta Believe"

I was born in the Philadelphia area & I have lived most of my life & still do in south Jersey. I am a Football/Baseball fan, so The Eagles & The Phillies are my teams. I hope the Flyers do well but I don't really follow Hockey, & as far as NBA/Sixers I like NCAA anyone knows if you follow the college level you wish the NBA would go away, but lets leave that for another time. Back to the Tugger, if your childern want to play any sports & you don't know where to turn for a role model because of people like Kobe Bryant, OJ Simpson & that #3 guy who plays for the 76ers ect. Tell them about TUG MCGRAW & the 1980 PHILLIES & the 1969 METS. Ya Gotta Believe! RIP TUGGER!

Thank You,
LBFT

 

[natural tickler]

one of the greatest screwball pitchers to ever have pitched, a great man, and a great player. He will be missed

 

[giantfan121262]

I met the man in 1974. I was 11 years old at the time. He was signing autographs at Bambergers in North Jersey. That was when he was promoting his new book "Screwball". I remember the day like it was yesterday. He signed my baseball mitt and I actually got my picture in the paper with him. He was such a nice guy. I remember being totally toungue tied when it was my turn to see him and he broke the ice like that *snapping my fingers*.

Tom Seaver was my idol but Tug was a true inspiration to the Met's in the late 60's and early 70's. When he was traded to the Phillies in '75, they were never the same.

Rest in peace, Tug. You and your sense of humor will be sorely missed.