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Tim McGraw rooted for the Philadelphia Phillies in a heartfelt way during the game on Tuesday night (November 1). The “7500 OBO” artist paid tribute to his late father, Tug McGraw, by wearing his jersey to the game.
Fox Sports: MLB shared a clip on Twitter, capturing the crowd’s roar as McGraw appeared on the jumbo screen during Game 3 of the World Series, hosted at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “Country music star Tim McGraw is wearing his father’s Phillies jersey at tonight’s game. His dad, Tug McGraw, won a World Series with the Phillies in 1980.”
Tug McGraw was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003 and died the following year. He was 59. The late MLB player was long known for his famous phrase, “Ya Gotta Believe.” McGraw recently shared photos from a fundraising weekend with Guy Fieri, teaming up with the celebrity chef to raise money for charities, including the Tug McGraw Foundation. The nonprofit aims to offer resources, education and brain wellness programs in honor of the late MLB player.
McGraw also represented his late father at the World Series game when he posted a photo as a tribute to Stand Up To Cancer, still wearing Tug Mcgraw’s Phillies jersey. He captioned the photo: “I stand up for [Tug McGraw] my mom Betty, and all my friends and family who have battled this terrible disease. Proud to support the [MLB] and [Stand Up To Cancer]. Go [Phillies]!”
PEOPLE noted in a report on Wednesday (November 2) that Tug McGraw played four of the six World Series games against the Kansas City Royals in 1980, securing the Phillies’ championship when he struck out the last batter in the final inning of game 6. Tuesday night marked the third game in the World Series and the latest win by the Phillies against the Houston Astros. The Series continued Wednesday night (November 2) with Game 4, tying the Phillies and the Astros. Game 5 is set for Thursday night (November 3).