Two Time World Series Champion
1969 New York Mets
1980 Philadelphia Phillies
(1944-2004) Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw, was born in Martinez, California, he died on January 5, 2004, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, country music superstars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, in Brentwood, Tennessee, 9 months after undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. McGraw played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, for the New York Mets, 1965-67, and 1969-74, and with the Philadelphia Phillies, 1975-84. He served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, 1965-71.
A left handed pitcher, McGraw was both a starter and a reliever during his career compiling a record of 96-92, with a 3.14 earned run average, 824 games pitched, 1,109 strike outs, and 180 saves. He was a two time National League All Star, 1972 & 1975; and a two time World Series Champ, 1969 with the New York Mets, and 1980 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He is a member of the Mets and Phillies Hall of Fame.
McGraw emerged as one of the top closers in the National League in the early 1970s, enjoying a career year in 1972. He was 3–3 with a 2.01 ERA and 15 saves at the All-Star break to earn his first All-Star selection. McGraw pitched two innings, striking out four and giving up only one hit to earn the win in the NL's 4–3 come from behind victory. For the 1972 season, McGraw went 8–6 with a 1.70 ERA, giving up just 71 hits in 106 innings pitched, and setting a Mets record with 27 saves, a record that lasted until 1984.
In 1973, he became a very valuable leader of the Mets helping them win the National League pennant. McGraw's famous slogan, "Ya Gotta Believe," became the rallying cry of the players and fans and led them from being in last place in the Eastern Division, of the N.L., on August 31, 1973, to winning the division. Hearing McGraw repeatedly shout out "Ya Gotta Believe," and watching him perform his magic in the ninth inning game after game, made the rest of the Mets players believers too. They made it all the way from the cellar into first place on September 21st with a 10–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, and clinched the division crown on the final day of the season with a win over the Chicago Cubs.
McGraw continued his dominant pitching into the postseason, when he pitched five innings over two games in the NLCS against the defending National League champion Cincinnati Reds without giving up a run, and appeared in five of the seven games of the World Series against the defending champion Oakland Athletics. Though he blew the save in game two, he pitched three shutout innings in extra innings to earn the victory. Although the Mets ending up losing the '73 World Series to the A's in 7 games, it became one of the most exciting years in Mets history!
In 1980, now a Fightin' Phillie, Tug pitched in all five games of the 1980 N.L.C.S. as the Phillies beat the Houston Astros, earning a spot in the '80 World Series. He appeared in four of the six games of the '80 World Series, striking out ten batters in 7 2/3 innings as Philadelphia became World Series Champions by beating the Kansas City Royals.
In 2004, following his death, the Philadelphia chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America renamed the annual "Good Guy Award," the "Tug McGraw Good Guy Award."
Typed Letter Signed: 8 1/4 x 11, with imprint "Ya Gotta Believe," at the top, and his address, "Tug McGraw, P.O. Box 32, Rydal, PA. 19046 at the bottom.
June 24, 1981
Jim Sage
12 Elm Lane
Barrington, R.I. 02806
Dear Jim;
Thank you so much for your letter and good wishes. I love reading mail from fans and friends as much as I love pitching. I feel as if we all go through the season together.
I try my best to fulfill all of the fans' requests, although this is not always possible. I hope you are looking forward to this season as much as I am. You gotta believe... winnin' is fun in '81.
I would like to personally thank you for writing and I hope you will accept this letter and the enclosed autographed picture as an expression of my appreciation.
Than you again. Fans like you are very important to me. I know that you have taken time out of your day to write to me and I consider that an honor. Keep the faith.
You gotta believe,
Tug McGraw
Beautiful, large blue ink signature by "Tug McGraw" make this a wonderful item to frame or display. Light age toning and minor wear. Very fine condition.
Comes with a PSA Certificate of Authenticity with matching number on a hologram sticker that is placed on the back of the letter.
Extremely desirable. One of the New York Mets most popular players in their franchise history!
FROM THE 64 YEAR OLD PERSONAL COLLECTION OF LEN ROSA
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