If you were a baseball fan in the seventies, you will remember Tug McGraw as the pitcher that coined the phrase "You Gotta Believe." That was the rallying cry for the NY Mets in those years.

Tug McGraw was a starting pitcher for the Mets in 1973 when, seemingly against all odds, they won the National League pennant. More than just a starter, Tug was a fan favorite for his irreverant (and sometimes off color) sense of humor. When asked by a reporter if he preferred an artificial surface such as the Astro Turf in Houston's stadium to natural grass, Tug replied "I don't know. I never smoked any Astro Turf."

Tug played on three World Series teams, including the Miracle Mets of 1969 and the 1980 Phillies. By 1980, he had become the Phillies closer. He struck out Willie Wilson to end the World Series, waited on the mound for Phillies All-Star third baseman Mike Schmidt to come by and then jumped into Mike's arms.

Tug was the father of singer Tim McGraw and the father-in-law of singer Faith Hill.

We'll miss you, Tug.

Tug McGraw quotes are at: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/quotes/quomcg.shtml