Tuesday, January 6, 2004
Tug McGraw 1944-2004
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.
Seeing Tug take to the mound last year for the closing ceremonies of Veteran's Stadium was incredibly moving. There he was, in the stadium who's incomparable character he helped to define, re-enacting the definitive moment in Phils' history. Despite showing the effects of the disease that eventually took his life, he was still the same ol' Tug McGraw the city loved so much.
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. We'll miss you...
|
