August 2003 Update
August 2003 Issue
Mets Hall of Famer Tug McGraw continues to make great strides in his recovery from brain surgery this March.
After Tug's May 29th press conference in Philadelphia (see Inside Pitch, July 2003, p. 5), Tug returned to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida for follow-up treatment. In late June he was given clearance to return home permanently, although he will continue to make trips to the Moffitt Center for periodic checkups.
During an interview with Matt Lauer that aired on The Today Show July 3rd, Tug acknowledged that he is not 100% cancer free -- while his surgeon, Dr. Brem, was able to remove most of the tumor, there were some "fingers" of the tumor that were inoperable. However, Tug has been taking a "medical cocktail" that is keeping the cancer cells in check, and his doctors will continue to monitor the situation with periodic MRI exams. At this time, Tug is feeling well and is working on regaining his strength and stamina. He is doing "all the right things," including healthy eating, napping twice a day, and taking his medications.
In the meantime, Tug has never been the kind of person to let a little thing like brain surgery keep him down. He is getting back to his "Ya Gotta Believe in Baseball" campaign, which he discussed in the March issue of Inside Pitch. He is also enjoying spending time with his youngest child, 8-year-old Matthew, whom he could not see much while he was in Florida for treatment.
After his May 29th press conference, Tug was overwhelmed with inquiries from fans who were interested in the cap he was wearing that day. Tug's assistant, Laurie Hawkins, tells us that, "we're getting so many requests -- hundreds of e-mails asking, 'Where can I get a hat?'" In response to that public demand, "Ya Gotta Believe" baseball caps will soon be available. Fans interested in ordering the hats can call 610-280-4344 or visit Tug's website for more information.
Tug has also started making public appearances again. On June 29th he brought out the lineup card before a reunion game between the 1983 Phillies and Orioles at Camden Yards, and on July 3rd he appeared in Philadelphia to count down the games remaining at Veterans Stadium. Tug appreciates that reaction he has received, and comments that, "The support from the fans makes me want to live longer." While logistics have made it relatively easier for Tug to touch base with his Philadelphia fans, he has not forgotten his New York fans, and is in the process of making plans to appear at Shea some time later this season. And Ya Gotta Believe that Mets fans, who have never forgotten how Tug inspired us all in 1973, will cherish the opportunity to thank him for everything he has meant to us over the years.