The 11 pm news is reporting that the former Phillies reliever, who closed out the clinching game of the 1980 World Series, is in serious condition in a Clearwater, FL hospital. He may have suffered a heart attack or stroke. frown
[ January 05, 2004, 06:02 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
Full Version: Tug McGraw
I remember McGraw from his Mets days. One of the more colorful charaters in Mets lore. Hopefully he'll have a speedy and successful recovery.
ESPN.com is reporting he has two brain tumors. frown
[ March 14, 2003, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: George_vikingfan ]
ESPN.com is reporting he has two brain tumors. frown
[ March 14, 2003, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: George_vikingfan ]
I was surprised by the tumor report (which came from the Phila. Daily News this morning) since they said nothing like that on the news.
The Associated Press reports tonight that sources indicate he has cancer and doctors are trying to determine if they can operate to remove the tumors. No official word from the Phillies or the family.
The Associated Press reports tonight that sources indicate he has cancer and doctors are trying to determine if they can operate to remove the tumors. No official word from the Phillies or the family.
I was listening to part of the Tony Bruno Show on Fox Sports Radio this morning and he happened to be interviewing Larry Bowa, who disclosed that Tug was his normal, jovial self just two days ago....apparently he complained of a few headaches on Thursday and went to the hospital to have some neurological tests only to be given the worst news imaginable.
According to ESPN.com, doctors have discovered at least two tumors and are trying to determine if they could operate....on the heels of the Steve Bechler tragedy a couple of weeks ago this is extremely sad news, especially for someone who is always so genuinely upbeat and enthusiastic and has been a true ambassador for the game and its fans (especially those in the Northeast).
As Bowa said this morning, keep Tug in your prayers because he needs it....fortunately, there's always hope -- to steal McGraw's famous catch phrase that he coined while helping to lead the Mets to the '73 World Series, "Ya Gotta Believe!"....let's hope there's another miracle left and that we'll see Tug back on the field again soon.
Tug McGraw diagnosed with brain cancer
According to ESPN.com, doctors have discovered at least two tumors and are trying to determine if they could operate....on the heels of the Steve Bechler tragedy a couple of weeks ago this is extremely sad news, especially for someone who is always so genuinely upbeat and enthusiastic and has been a true ambassador for the game and its fans (especially those in the Northeast).
As Bowa said this morning, keep Tug in your prayers because he needs it....fortunately, there's always hope -- to steal McGraw's famous catch phrase that he coined while helping to lead the Mets to the '73 World Series, "Ya Gotta Believe!"....let's hope there's another miracle left and that we'll see Tug back on the field again soon.
Tug McGraw diagnosed with brain cancer
From this article in today's Phila. Daily News:
Tug's a gamer, and here's proof
QUOTE
The Phillies issued the following statement last night:
Former major league pitcher Tug McGraw remains in good spirits and in stable condition as he undergoes continued neurological evaluation at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, his family reports.
McGraw underwent tests at Morton Plant Hospital last week before being admitted to Moffitt on Friday evening. He is under the care of Steven Brem, M.D., who is program leader of Moffitt's neuro-oncology program and an expert in brain mapping and neuronavigation.
\"We are touched by the many prayers, thoughts and caring expressions of Tug's well-wishers and fans,\" says Tug McGraw's daughter, Cari Velardo. \"We also trust that the public - and the news media - will respect our family's continued need for privacy during this time. Tug is surrounded by family and friends as he rests in anticipation of surgery.\"
An [Associated Press] wire story published [yesterday] reported that McGraw suffers from malignant brain tumors. However, at this time, the evidence is inconclusive, according to Dr. Brem.
Surgery is scheduled for early this week. No further statements will be delivered until after the surgery.
Another column tells a great story about a game that Tug pitched--in a semipro league in 1992...Former major league pitcher Tug McGraw remains in good spirits and in stable condition as he undergoes continued neurological evaluation at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, his family reports.
McGraw underwent tests at Morton Plant Hospital last week before being admitted to Moffitt on Friday evening. He is under the care of Steven Brem, M.D., who is program leader of Moffitt's neuro-oncology program and an expert in brain mapping and neuronavigation.
\"We are touched by the many prayers, thoughts and caring expressions of Tug's well-wishers and fans,\" says Tug McGraw's daughter, Cari Velardo. \"We also trust that the public - and the news media - will respect our family's continued need for privacy during this time. Tug is surrounded by family and friends as he rests in anticipation of surgery.\"
An [Associated Press] wire story published [yesterday] reported that McGraw suffers from malignant brain tumors. However, at this time, the evidence is inconclusive, according to Dr. Brem.
Surgery is scheduled for early this week. No further statements will be delivered until after the surgery.
Tug's a gamer, and here's proof
The latest from ESPN.com:
QUOTE
Tug McGraw underwent six hours of surgery to remove a brain tumor, but doctors don't expect to know until Friday whether it was cancerous.
\"I'm very optimistic in a couple days he'll want to leave the hospital,\" Dr. Steven Brem said. \"His chances are excellent for recovery.\"
Brem, who directs the neuro-oncology program at the Moffitt Cancer Center, described the 58-year-old former star pitcher as alert and in good spirits. Brem said the single tumor extended to both sides of the brain.
\"I'm very optimistic in a couple days he'll want to leave the hospital,\" Dr. Steven Brem said. \"His chances are excellent for recovery.\"
Brem, who directs the neuro-oncology program at the Moffitt Cancer Center, described the 58-year-old former star pitcher as alert and in good spirits. Brem said the single tumor extended to both sides of the brain.
A brief article at Philly.com said that they removed the entire tumor without disturbing the brain...it also said this:
QUOTE
Brem said the tumor would be analyzed. Whether it is cancerous will be known by Friday, when pathology results are released. Either way, McGraw's chances of a full recovery are excellent, Brem said.
Great news!!!!
So glad it looks like Tugger going to be okay. Our local all news radio station's website had a strange quote from Tug's doctor, stating that Tug is "totally neurologically intact". I know this is excellent news, but I have never heard that term before. I'm sure it's used medically a lot, but also sounds like it could be a great t-shirt.
Or a certificate, like Homer Simpson after he got released from the mental hospital with the 300-lb. white guy claiming to be Michael Jackson...
I have a picture of myself and Tug. I'll have to get it scanned and post it somewhere...
QUOTE
Leon: This is my real voice. My name is Leon Kompowski, and I'm a bricklayer from Paterson, New Jersey. All my life, I was very angry. Until one day, I just [Michael Jackson voice] talked like this. [in his normal voice] All of a sudden, everyone was smiling at me, and I was only doing good on this earth. So I kept on doing it. To make a tired point, which one of us is truly crazy?
Homer: Not me, I've got this! [shows his certificate]
At any rate, Tug was released from the hospital today. There's been no word on the pathology report as to whether or not the tumor was cancerous.Homer: Not me, I've got this! [shows his certificate]
I have a picture of myself and Tug. I'll have to get it scanned and post it somewhere...
Tug McGraw was one of the first baseball players that I ever followed as a little boy. Even though I was and still am a Yankee fan, I had two older brothers who followed the Mets. His spirit as a player was the greatest I had ever seen in a baseball player. I think I have every baseball card of his between the Mets and Phillies. Joe in Philly, I am really jealous of that picture! I've never met the man, but I pray that he recovers. Young baseball players need him around if only just to show them that the game really can be fun.
Some great stuff in this article about Tug McGraw's first visit to the Vet since his surgery. For one thing, when he was first hospitalized and told he had just a few weeks to live, his son Tim announced that "This is not acceptable." Then he and Faith got on the case, doing research to find the best available specialist and got him transferred to the cancer facility where the surgery was performed.
And he's actually here on business, of a sort.
[ May 29, 2003, 09:19 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
And he's actually here on business, of a sort.
QUOTE
He came to town to announce a new campaign called \"Ya Gotta Believe in Baseball.\" McGraw wants to promote the game he loves, wants to find ways to restore it to its former glory. You can get information on his Web site, www.tugmcgraw.com. There's a place there to send him a message. He has gotten thousands. He said he's trying to reply to each one.
And then there's this:QUOTE
He went into the Phillies' clubhouse today and saw old friends and young players for whom he is a nearly legendary figure.
\"There were some hugs,\" McGraw said. \"Even a few kisses.\"
He paused, his comic timing still perfect.
\"Some of the switch-hitters, I guess.\"
\"There were some hugs,\" McGraw said. \"Even a few kisses.\"
He paused, his comic timing still perfect.
\"Some of the switch-hitters, I guess.\"
[ May 29, 2003, 09:19 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
Tug McGraw passed away today. Very sad news.
That's too bad! 
But what an exciting life he must have lead. He sure seemed like he had a good time!
But what an exciting life he must have lead. He sure seemed like he had a good time!
Wow, what a shock. He seemed to be doing so much better, he looked good at the closing ceremonies of the Vet. I guess the family kept his prognosis very quiet. Thanks Tug for all the great memories. frown
Very sad! His enthusiasm for the game was great. I saw him in some games, but just recall him having a blast making behind the back catches in the outfield during bp.
It's a sad day seeing a Phillies icon pass away. I will always remember that leap in the air after he struck out Willie Wilson to win the World Series. More than that he was a very charismatic and funny guy. He will be missed.
I didnt realize until today that he was the father of country music star, Tim McGraw. I am always the last to find out about something like this. He was definitely a baseball legend and will be missed.
This is truly sad news ....I have been a big fan of Tug's since I was a kid watching him pitch for the Mets in the 70s....his genuine enthusiasm, big smile and obvious love of the game will certainly be missed....anyone who thinks that his "Ya Gotta Believe!" slogans and upbeat demeanor weren't a BIG part of the inspiration that led the Mets to the '73 Series and the Phils to their '80 World Championship is sorely mistaken.
My heart goes out to Tim and all the members of Tug's family (and that includes his "baseball family") who are grieving over the loss of such a wonderful man, who clearly had a very positive impact upon his teammates and the baseball community (both in NY and Philly) -- it's no wonder that everyone was always smiling whenever Tug was around.
....I have been a big fan of Tug's since I was a kid watching him pitch for the Mets in the 70s....his genuine enthusiasm, big smile and obvious love of the game will certainly be missed....anyone who thinks that his "Ya Gotta Believe!" slogans and upbeat demeanor weren't a BIG part of the inspiration that led the Mets to the '73 Series and the Phils to their '80 World Championship is sorely mistaken.My heart goes out to Tim and all the members of Tug's family (and that includes his "baseball family") who are grieving over the loss of such a wonderful man, who clearly had a very positive impact upon his teammates and the baseball community (both in NY and Philly) -- it's no wonder that everyone was always smiling whenever Tug was around.
The '73 Mets were the first pennant winner I followed closely, and Tug was one of the first players I received an autographed from... I don't know if he was a "Phillies icon," but if so that's far outstripped by his status as a Mets legend.
McGraw was a winner, P*te R*se is a loser...
McGraw was a winner, P*te R*se is a loser...
I'll always remember Tug McGraw as a Met. In '73 the combination of McGraw and Seaver made me actually root for the Mets for a while. I only wish the passing of such an upbeat guy wasn't being eclipsed in the sports pages by the repulsive Pete Rose.
I shall tip my glass to a True Philadelphia Hero! Cheers.
I feel awful about this. I remember gasping when the news came across the screen on ESPN2 last night. Even though he never played for the Yankees, Tug McGraw was easily my favorite player outside of pinstripes. I collected every baseball card of Tug's from his days with the Phillies back to his days with the Mets before I was even born. With the zest that he showed for the game, he clearly showed that some people play for the love of the game, and not just a paycheck.
QUOTE
Bill W:
I don't know if he was a \"Phillies icon,\" but if so that's far outstripped by his status as a Mets legend.
Definitely a Phillies icon. And for such a Mets legend there is very little coverage of his death at the NY Post website.
I don't know if he was a \"Phillies icon,\" but if so that's far outstripped by his status as a Mets legend.
There is a very nice article in today's NY Times about Tugger.
One of the most amazing things about the end of game 6 of the 1980 World Series -- besides the fact that I was there -- is the very last moment before it ended. You can hear it if you listen closely during a replay that doesn't include musical embellishment or the dubbed-in recreated Harry Kalas play-by-play, but everyone's cheering and yelling up until McGraw lets go of the final pitch, and then for just a split-second the noise just dies, like the crowd is holding its collective breath.
And then Willie Wilson swings and misses, and there's a complete eruption of joy.
And then Willie Wilson swings and misses, and there's a complete eruption of joy.
I can't believe the passing of such a great guy like Tug McGraw is being overshadowed by the news about the scumbag, Pete Rose.
It's a sad day for the classy sport and people of baseball.
By the way, is it my imagination or did Tug produce a series of comic strips about himself and baseball? I remember reading a book of comic strips about baseball and Tug and wonder if it was by him.
[ January 06, 2004, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: ung ]
It's a sad day for the classy sport and people of baseball.
By the way, is it my imagination or did Tug produce a series of comic strips about himself and baseball? I remember reading a book of comic strips about baseball and Tug and wonder if it was by him.
[ January 06, 2004, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: ung ]
From a column in today's paper:
QUOTE
The young in age and in heart smiled at \"Scroogie,'' his syndicated cartoon character, and \"Lumpy,'' a delightful children's book about a humble batting-practice baseball that wound up being used for the final pitch of a World Series Game 7.
Lots of coverage at philly.com for those who are interested.
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
...for such a Mets legend there is very little coverage of his death at the NY Post website.
You mean the Official Shill Sheet of the NY Stankees? Most Mets fans are too literate to be targeted readers of the NYP.
...for such a Mets legend there is very little coverage of his death at the NY Post website.
R.I.P. Tug. I hate this cliche -- but, thanks for the memories (especially that one from 1980).
QUOTE
Bill W:
Coverage is similarly scant at the websites of the NY Daily News and Newsday.
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
...for such a Mets legend there is very little coverage of his death at the NY Post website.
You mean the Official Shill Sheet of the NY Stankees? Most Mets fans are too literate to be targeted readers of the NYP. ...for such a Mets legend there is very little coverage of his death at the NY Post website.
It was plentiful in the NY Times, especially yesterday. Factor in that the guy was NOT a HOF caliber player, and he's from the '70s (so very few young sports fans care), if you were expecting weeklong banner headlines.
Sorry, Tug was a Met.
Sorry, Tug was a Met.
QUOTE
ung:
By the way, is it my imagination or did Tug produce a series of comic strips about himself and baseball? I remember reading a book of comic strips about baseball and Tug and wonder if it was by him.
There's an article at Phillies.com today about the comic strip.By the way, is it my imagination or did Tug produce a series of comic strips about himself and baseball? I remember reading a book of comic strips about baseball and Tug and wonder if it was by him.
QUOTE
Bill W:
It was plentiful in the NY Times, especially yesterday. Factor in that the guy was NOT a HOF caliber player, and he's from the '70s (so very few young sports fans care), if you were expecting weeklong banner headlines.
Sorry, Tug was a Met.
One paper out of four doesn't make it so. Hmmmph. Well, I guess Tug himself said it best, on October 22, 1980: "All through baseball history Philadelphia has had to take a back seat to New York City. Well, New York City can take this world championship....and STICK IT!"
It was plentiful in the NY Times, especially yesterday. Factor in that the guy was NOT a HOF caliber player, and he's from the '70s (so very few young sports fans care), if you were expecting weeklong banner headlines.
Sorry, Tug was a Met.
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