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Tug McGraw (Part Two) 1973 NL Champion Mets Fireman

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1973 Mets N.L. Pennant Season:   Tug started out the season with another Opening Day save, after relieving Tom Seaver to finish off ta shut out of the Philadelphia Phillies.  At the end of April, he had four straight saves and was posting a 1.59 ERA, just like the Tug McGraw of old.  But in May he began to struggle, on May 4th he entered a tie game against the Astros, with the bases loaded in the 8th inning. He walked three runs in & had to be removed, the Mets lost it in extra innings.  On May 6th, he came  into  the game in the 6th inning, with two on & the Mets up on the Astros 7-3. He gave up a double to Cesar Cedeno & a three run HR to Bob Watson tying up the game. In the 7th, he gave up two hits & then walked two batters blowing the  four-run  lead having to be removed again. The Mets blew the game losing 14-8. Tug did get a bit on track saving three games until May 19th, when he served up HRs to the Pirates Bob Rob...
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Tug McGraw: The Mets First Star Relief Pitcher- Fireman / Closer (Part One: 1965 - 1972)

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Frank Edwin McGraw was born August 30, 1944, in Martinez, California. Nickname: When he was just a baby, he would firmly nurse on his mother’s breast as she fed him. "he's a real tugger" she said & the name stuck with him forever. Quotes- Tug McGaw: "On my first day of kindergarten, the teacher asked if there was anyone's name she didn't call? I raised my hand & said my name is Tug McGraw. She looked at the role & said "I have a Frank McGraw" I said No, that's my dad. He already went kindergarten." His mother Mabel  was manic depressive, she was verbally & physically abusive. She ran away on the family while on a weekend pass from Napa State Mental Hospital. Tug & his brothers were raised by their father, Big Mac. The boys attended  Catholic schools &  played sports, all the time. Family: Tug’s brother Hank, was an outstanding catching prospect that was signed by the Mets scout Roy Partee in 1961. A couple of ye...
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