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The Lost Save of Tug McGraw: A Philadelphia Baseball Tragedy

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The Lost Save of Tug McGraw

by Steven Scott Nestle

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	91 KB
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Print length	:	12 pages

Tug McGraw was a relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1975 to 1984. He was a key member of the Phillies' bullpen during their run to the 1980 World Series, and he was the closer in Game 5 of the Series against the Kansas City Royals.

The Phillies led the Series 3-1 going into Game 5, and they were just one out away from winning the championship. McGraw entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead. He got the first two batters out, but then he walked the next two batters. With the bases loaded, McGraw got the next batter to ground out to first base. However, the ground ball was hit slowly enough that the runner from third base was able to score, tying the game. McGraw then walked the next batter, forcing in another run and giving the Royals a 6-5 lead.

The Phillies were unable to score in the top of the 10th inning, and the Royals went on to win the game 6-5. The loss was devastating for the Phillies, and it is still considered one of the most heartbreaking moments in Philadelphia sports history.

McGraw was inconsolable after the game. He said that he felt like he had let his team down, and he apologized to the fans. McGraw's teammates rallied around him, and they told him that they knew he had given it his all. However, McGraw never forgot the lost save, and it haunted him for the rest of his life.

The lost save had a significant impact on McGraw's career. He was never the same pitcher after that night, and he eventually retired from baseball in 1985. McGraw died in 2004 at the age of 59.

The lost save is still remembered by Phillies fans today. It is a reminder of the heartbreak that can come with sports, and it is a testament to the passion that McGraw had for the game of baseball.

The Events Leading Up to the Lost Save

The Phillies had a 3-1 lead in the 1980 World Series going into Game 5. They had won the first two games of the Series in Philadelphia, and they had taken the first game of the Series in Kansas City. However, the Royals had won Game 4 in Kansas City, and they were looking to tie the Series in Game 5.

The Phillies started Steve Carlton in Game 5. Carlton was one of the best pitchers in baseball, and he had pitched a complete game in Game 2 of the Series. However, Carlton was not at his best in Game 5. He gave up four runs in the first three innings, and he was pulled from the game in the fourth inning.

The Phillies bullpen was able to keep the Royals from scoring any more runs, and the Phillies took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. McGraw entered the game with two outs and two runners on base. He got the first batter out, but then he walked the next two batters. With the bases loaded, McGraw got the next batter to ground out to first base. However, the ground ball was hit slowly enough that the runner from third base was able to score, tying the game.

McGraw then walked the next batter, forcing in another run and giving the Royals a 6-5 lead. The Phillies were unable to score in the top of the 10th inning, and the Royals went on to win the game 6-5.

The Impact of the Lost Save

The lost save had a devastating impact on the Phillies. They had been just one out away from winning the World Series, and they were now facing elimination. The Phillies went on to lose Game 6 of the Series, and they were eliminated from the playoffs.

The lost save also had a significant impact on McGraw. He was never the same pitcher after that night, and he eventually retired from baseball in 1985. McGraw died in 2004 at the age of 59.

The lost save is still remembered by Phillies fans today. It is a reminder of the heartbreak that can come with sports, and it is a testament to the passion that McGraw had for the game of baseball.

The Legacy of the Lost Save

The lost save is a reminder of the fragility of success. The Phillies were just one out away from winning the World Series, but they were unable to close out the game. The lost save is also a reminder of the importance of mental toughness. McGraw was a tough pitcher, but he was unable to overcome the pressure of pitching in a big game.

The lost save is a cautionary tale for all athletes. It is a reminder that anything can happen in sports, and that even the best athletes can make mistakes. However, the lost save is also a reminder that failure is not the end of the world. McGraw was able to overcome the lost save and go on to have a successful career. He is remembered as one of the best relief pitchers in baseball history.

The lost save is a story of heartbreak, but it is also a story of resilience. It is a reminder that even in the face of failure, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success.

The Lost Save of Tug McGraw

by Steven Scott Nestle

4.7 out of 5