Sad Evening for Phila. Phillies Fans Tugger is gone

[sandramaac]

Just heard on the TV that Tug McGraw passed away, from the brain cancer he was diagnosed with about two years ago.

I use to work for the Phillies as one of the "Hot Pants Girls" (Philly folks will know who they are) while I was in college. It was the best job a girl could have. I had the opportunity to meet many VIP's and the players. Tug was always a great guy, funny and very personable. On a number of occasions I escorted players on the field for different ceremonies, Tug being one of them. I was there the night they won the world series and it was a memorable evening when after the first out that Tug made the poice started to come onto the field, and then with the second out the mounted police started to come out. The third out when they won the series and he raised his arm in the air in victory. It was unreal

Also heard the Paul Owens also died over the weekend.

 

[robsmom]

My husband and I both paused when we saw the news on tv tonight. The Phillies win is the only really major sports victory that i remember growing up. My whole family was glued to the tv and when the phillies won everyone in the neighborhood went outside and banged pans and stuff like news years (live in the burbs so this was unusual.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Oh NO! I missed that on the evening news, I'll try to catch the sports at 11.

I too recall the World Series victory, and the strike that prevented me from seeing a live game in Philly.

 

[Octoberbride03]

#$%^ secondary market news stations. I can't believe this wasn't on my 11pm newscast. 1 of the few things i really miss about Philly was the newscasts(Channel 6).

That's so sad, and he was doing so well too. He was in remission over the summer and looked great. He was only diagnosed just abit under a year ago while Spring training as a Phillie pitching coach.

Now i'm all bummed out.

 

[Planogirl]

This is so sad. I watched that world series too. I didn't know the first thing about baseball but I clearly remember Mike Schmidt and Tug. He was so amusing and talented!

He was WAY too young.

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

Shea Stadium, 1973. From worst to first. "Ya gotta Believe".

we'll miss you, tug.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I'll always remember him thumping his glove on his chest to let us all know how fast his heart was beating during that 1980 series.

He looked good at the Vet closing ceremonies just 3 short months ago.

RIP Tug. We'll miss you here in the Philly area.

 

[Shannon G]

Sympathies go out to Tug's son, Tim McGraw, and his family. According to the news, Tug passed away at Tim's home in Nashville.

 

[goofygirl]

In 1980, I was 11 years old and I remember that victory well. It was an amazing time in Philly. I had a little crush on Tug, I think all girls did!

Its ironic his life should end along with the Vet's "life".

R.I.P.

 

[Gette88]

Originally posted by goofygirl
In 1980, I was 11 years old and I remember that victory well. It was an amazing time in Philly. I had a little crush on Tug, I think all girls did!

Its ironic his life should end along with the Vet's "life".

R.I.P.

Me too. I met Tug when I was younger and it was a big deal. He did some charity events in my area. One time they had a local baseball game where you paid like 10 bucks to have Tug pitch a ball to you. I remember how much my dad enjoyed that. Tug will be greatly missed.

 

[Tinkbell]

In fifth grade, my teacher had us write a letter to a famous person for an assignment. I was a big baseball fan and wrote to Tug McGraw. He actually wrote back to the class and sent a personalized autographed picture for me. He put the "Ya Gotta Believe" message in the letter and told us to believe in our dreams. We were so thrilled to get that letter. What a great guy he was. I'm so sad to hear this. BTW, the only other famous person to write us back was John Glenn.