PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Tug McGraw, the reliever who won world championships with the 1969 New York Mets and 1980 Philadelphia Phillies, died Monday. He was 59.
One of the most beloved players in the history of both organizations, McGraw had been battling brain cancer. One of his last public appearances came Sept. 28 at Veterans Stadium, where he helped celebrate the closing of the ballpark and received an emotional ovation from Phillies' fans.
McGraw, the father of country music star Tim McGraw, had a 96-92 record with 180 saves and a 3.14 ERA during a 19-year career.
He retired after the 1984 season and is best known for his heart-pounding relief appearances and coining the phrase, "Ya gotta believe" during the Mets' 1973 pennant run.
