Tug McGraw 1944-2004

[phillybri]

When the Philadelphia Phillies won the 1980 World Series, I was all of 3 years old. People rarely remember moments that take place at such a young age. I'm no different in that respect, save a very few stand-out moments.

One such moment was seeing Tug McGraw leap into the air after striking out the Royals' Willie Wilson for the final out of Game 6. Sure I've seen it roughly 26,875 times since (hey, we Philly fans hang on to the good times!), but I do remember that moment. My family went insane, as did the entire city of Philadelphia, The Tugger leapt in the air, Mike Schmidt seemingly flew onto the top of the pile of delirious Phillies.

Baseball is small in the big scheme of things. Tug was a great family man and a great person as well. In addition, he was a true natural character. Few people are. He coined the phrase "Ya gotta believe!" during the 1973 playoffs while playing for the New York Mets.

I now take the opportunity to thank Tug for the greatest moment in Philadelphia sports history, and for being the kind of person we all should hope to be someday.

"Ya Gotta Believe!"

Thanks, Tug...

[felonious thunk]

1. One of my best memories

is the final out of the 80 World Series. Tug pitched in almost every game in that post season for the Phillies, and it was perfect that he made the last out. Tug was the heart of the Phillies, and he will be missed.

"DURING THE New York Mets' crazed celebration of their improbable 1973 pennant, somebody asked Tug McGraw how he planned to spend his World Series share. 'Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women and Irish whiskey,' the relief ace deadpanned. 'The other 10 percent I'll probably waste.'"

More: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/baseball/7641961.htm

[mac56]

2. Not sure if he really said this -

but legend has it that some reporter, inquiring about field characteristics, asked him if he preferred grass or artificial turf.

Tug reportedly replied, "I dunno. I never smoked artificial turf."

RIP, Tug.

[Bertha Venation]

4. Good answer, Tug.

RIP.

[DinahMoeHum]

7. I think he did say that. Here's a link from ESPN. . .

Link:
http://espn.go.com/classic/obit/s/2004/0105/1701174.html?partnersite=espn


Even though I was never really a Mets fan, I always liked Tug.

:toast:

[PVnRT]

3. RIP

One of baseball's most colorful characters. He'll be missed. And that screwball was a fucking bitch to hit, too.

[MaineDem]

5. I always liked him

And he'll be missed. One of the colorful characters of baseball. And a good pitcher, to boot.

Condolences to his family.

[phillybri]

6. Kick

:kick: