 01/05/2004 9:33 PM ET
Phillies pay tribute to McGraw
Phillies President David Montgomery: "Tug was special. He gave us all great perspective. He competed very hard yet always managed to have so much fun doing it. He really connected with our fans and everyone in the organization."
Chairman Bill Giles: "To know Tug was to love him. He was more than just a pitcher, he was loved by everyone that knew him. He had a special spirit that will never be forgotten by anyone who saw him pitch and he is responsible for Philadelphia's most defining sports moment when he struck out Willie Wilson to win the city's only World Championship."
General manager Ed Wade: "We were happy we were able to get Tug back in uniform two years ago and provide him with the opportunity to do what he loved to do. Tug was able to share his experiences and exuberance for the game and life with our young pitchers. He will be sorely missed."
Manager Larry Bowa: "He epitomized what Philadelphia is all about. He was hard-working, dedicated and never gave up. The picture of him jumping up in the air after the last out in 1980 is very memorable. He was a great person and will be missed."
Larry Andersen: "When I came to the Phillies in 1983, we made it to the World Series. During the Series, I had my daughter there who was only 13 days old at the time. Tug took one look at her and said, 'That's unbelievable. It took me 13 years to get to the World Series and it took her 13 days.'"
Bob Boone: "I am saddened by the news. Tug was a good friend and a good pitcher, but I will always remember him as my great friend. He lived life to the fullest."
Larry Christenson: "He battled right to the end like he always did. He took it on and was not afraid of the challenge. Not once did I hear him complain. He was one of my best teammates and friends."
Dallas Green: "I don't think I can pick a favorite from the 1980 team, but he'd rank right up there near the top. He gave his heart and soul not only to me, but to his teammates and the fans. He was very special to me."
Brett Myers: "I first met Tug when I was in the minor leagues. He was a great guy to be around and he always had fun. He brought a lot of that to me and I'll always remember him for that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family right now.
Dan Plesac: "This year in Spring Training, when he spent time to play catch with me every day, was unbelievable for me. I thought it was so cool to play catch with this guy that, when I was 18 years old, I thought walked on water. He was a big reason why the last game at the Vet was so special to me. To be on the field with him, Schmitty, Booney and the other immortals was truly special. My heart goes out to his family and the entire Phillies family."
Chris Wheeler: "Tug was a fun, inspirational guy who threw the pitch to Willie Wilson that started the party in 1980. He had a unique sense of humor and just loved life. He fought his final battle with the same style and courage that epitomized his career. Tug was an original and we will miss him a lot."
Randy Wolf: "It's hard to lose anybody, but to lose somebody like Tug is devastating. Losing him is like losing a superhero because he's one of the most charismatic people I've ever met. We've immortalized him and it's a sad reminder that bad things happen to good people."
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