[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN MEMORY OF TUG McGRAW, BASEBALL LEGEND, PATRIOT AND AMBASSADOR OF 
                                HUMANITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to 
baseball legend, Tug McGraw. Tug McGraw died on Monday, January 5, at 
the Nashville area home of his son and daughter-in-law, Tim McGraw and 
Faith Hill. Tug McGraw's life goes far beyond his on-field extensive 
achievements. He was also a patriot and an ambassador of humanity.
  When Tug McGraw came to the Phillies in 1974, he brought along his 
experience as part of the New York Mets. With that team, he coined his 
rallying cry, ``You gotta believe.'' His shining moment as a Phillie 
came in the 1980 World Series. In the fifth game, Tug struck out the 
Royals' Amos Otis with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to 
preserve a 4-3 victory. In the sixth and final game, in Philadelphia, 
Tug squeezed out of bases-loaded jams in the final two innings and got 
the save to give the Phillies their first World Championship. It was 
his third World Series save, lifetime and his five League Championship 
Series saves is a record. He retired with 180 saves.
  Those who follow baseball know of Tug McGraw's amazing saves and 
victories, but his life goes far beyond his on-field achievements. I 
know firsthand how he served his community and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania in a major league way for many years. Tug enjoyed the 
presence of others, being thoroughly human and generous. He was a 
leader in so many worthwhile projects across our region, including the 
Scholar Athlete Program, various mentoring programs for at-risk youth 
and numerous charitable and civic causes. We will all remember and 
admire his talent on the mound. But of lasting significance is what he 
did to motivate people, particularly our youth, not only with his time 
and talent, but also with his laughter and his ability to bring out the 
best in others. It is what we teach and what we contribute to enriching 
the lives of those around us that defines our success in life. This is 
Tug McGraw's lasting legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, our region has lost not only a baseball legend, but a 
dear friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the McGraw family. 
Tug McGraw was generous with his gifts throughout his life and 
exemplified the spirit of service that has made this country great. It 
is proper to remember and honor a man of such worth and character with 
great respect for what he accomplished and stood for. We are grateful 
to have known Tug McGraw, and mourn his passing.

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