McGraw scatters dad's ashes at ballpark

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Singer Tim McGraw quietly scattered some ashes of his famous father Tug McGraw on the pitcher's mound at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, officials say.

Tug McGraw was a former Phillies player who later became an adviser for the team. He died of cancer in 2004 at the age of 59.

The Nashville Tennessean said his son, country music star Tim McGraw, scattered some of his ashes on the pitcher's mound when he threw the ceremonial first ball during Game 3 of the World Series as a tribute to his late father.

The newspaper said McGraw's actions drew little attention at the time, but the Phillies later confirmed to the media what he had done.

Phillies pitcher Tom Gordon told Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia: "It's just wonderful to see a son pay tribute to his father in that way. They must have had a really wonderful relationship."