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Tug Mcgraw Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

TUG MCGRAW
Born: August 30, 1944 in Martinez, California
Died: January 05, 2004 in Williamson County, Tennessee
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Tug McGraw
This article was written by Matthew Silverman and is presented in part, courtesy of the Society for American Baseball Research

Back when being a character could keep you locked in the minor leagues and being a reliever was considered a career demotion, Tug McGraw excelled in both roles like few before or since. As a rookie starter for Casey Stengel, McGraw ended the Mets’ long losing streak against Sandy Koufax; converted to a reliever by Gil Hodges, he was outstanding as the Mets pushed past the Cubs on their way to a Miracle in 1969; and he was as dominant as any reliever in the game in the early 1970s. Just as he was experiencing his worst year, he turned it around and lived his mantra of “Ya Gotta Believe” to help the Mets claim another unlikely pennant. Traded by the Mets, who foolishly thought him damaged goods, McGraw achieved the impossible again: helping the Phillies win their first world championship nearly a century into their existence. His enthusiasm never wavered as his playing career drew to a close and he tried other pursuits.

Even people not in the least interested in baseball recall Tug as the father of country star Tim McGraw, who embraced Tug after years of estrangement. Tim cared for Tug as brain cancer eventually took his dad too soon. Tug McGraw’s 59 years were certainly packed with living.

Frank Edwin McGraw was rarely quiet, even as an infant. He was born in Martinez, California, on August 30, 1944, the second of three sons of Frank and Mabel McGraw (a fourth child died shortly after birth). He was never called by his given name.



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