Monday, January 05, 2004

"You Gotta Believe"

Tug McGraw succumbed to brain cancer today. He pitched for the Miracle Mets' team that won the 1969 World Series. In 1973, McGraw helped the Mets climb from last place to first in the National League's Eastern Division, then reach the World Series and come within one game of winning the championship. It was in that season that McGraw coined the Mets' war cry: "You Gotta Believe."

He was a great player and a great role model. Ironic that the same day he dies, Pete Rose finally admits that he bet on baseball (and on his own team). In my opinion, Rose should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but only as one of the best players to ever play the game -- certainly not as a mensch!

No comments: