03-07-2025
Meet Tugger, the adorable Phillies service dog honoring the memory of Tug McGraw.
The Philadelphia Phillies are paying homage to one of their most charismatic players from the past in a delightful way. Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw spent 10 of his 19 MLB seasons as a reliever with the NL East team. He was 49-37 with 94 saves as a Phillie. Now, the team has decided to honor McGraw's memory through a service dog in training named "Tugger." Don't confuse Tugger with a mascot he will be much more one day. Tug McGraw was a Marine before his baseball career and Tugger will wind up being the service dog of a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection.
Tug McGraw's son is country star Tim McGraw and he commented on Tugger through the team: "My father loved the Phillies and took immense pride in his service with the United States Marine Corps," Tim McGraw said. "The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory."
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Service dog in training honors memory of Phillies great Tug McGraw
