CMT News

Tug McGraw, the famous pitcher and the father of Tim McGraw, died Monday night (Jan. 5) at his son's home outside Nashville. He had battled brain cancer for most of 2003. McGraw became one of the most popular players on the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies teams. He is credited with coining the phrase "You gotta believe" during the Mets' 1973 National League championship season and for striking out Willie Wilson of the Kansas City Royals in 1980 for a World Series win for the Phillies. In addition to Tim, McGraw is survived by sons Mark and Matthew McGraw, daughter Cari Velardo and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were not available Tuesday morning (Jan. 6). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be me made to: Tug McGraw Foundation, 191 Sheree Blvd., Suite 200, Exton PA 19341.