A Hodge-Podge of Tug McGraw Fun and Inspiration
- Jennifer Brusstar
- Apr 22, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 2, 2021
Chevy's Field of Dreams: Captures the Heroes Tug McGraw Admired & the Game he Loved-Including Him
In a time when our nation is in need of some optimism, hope and something to believe in; Chevrolet's "Field of Dreams" ad captures and delivers the spirit of baseball to its fans.
“This field, this game … it’s part of our past. It reminds of all that once was good, and it could be again.” Terrence Mann (Field of Dreams)
A Vocal Giant Paired with the
Legends of Baseball
The Field of Dreams spot is narrated by vocal giant and actor, James Earl Jones. Jones revives his role as Terrence Mann in the 1989 film, "Field of Dreams." Taking viewers through baseball's most historical moments. Including footage of Tug's heroes, Robinson, Aaron, Gehrig and many others.
"This new spot emphasizes what makes baseball special to so many: the people behind the game. Everyone who participates—from those watching at home to the star player hitting the winning home run—is a part of the story of baseball." Sara Country, Contributor to Ad Week.
Hank McGraw on Featuring Tug with Chevy's Line-up of Legends
After watching the final cut of Chevy's Field of Dreams, my first thought was to call the man who knew him best. Tug's big brother Uncle Hank. Side note, all you Mets and Phillies fans take a minute to thank Hank McGraw. Hank was the first to be drafted by the Mets in the family but refused to sign his draft papers unless they signed his little brother-Tug! I asked him what would Tug think about being included in this line-up of baseball legends that Chevy features? Without hesitation Hank replied, "He would have loved it! We all know Tug was a showman but most importantly he was a true pioneer to the game in pitching. He definitely earned his spot in this line-up." In addition to the legends that defined the game, Chevy's Field of Dreams, included the enthusiasm of youth players.
We often describe Tug, "as the Big Leaguer who played the game with the heart and soul of a Little Leaguer." On a sentimental note, Warren Brusstar's (Tug's Teammate) father, Gordon Brusstar, illustrated for Chevrolet for nearly two decades during the 50's and 60's.
Six Degrees of "Chevy" Separation:
Gordon Brusstar a nationally recognized commercial artist from California, illustrated for many brands including Chevrolet. In the commercial art world, Gordon was known for his precise attention to detail and at times almost too accurate.
Maybe A Little Too Accurate
For example, Gordon wanted to surprise Warren with a portrait of his newly won 1980 Phillies World Series ring. Oh...it was surprise! The unveiling was truly memorable for him, the ring's inscription read, "Rose." To illustrate the ring, Gordon used the cover of the 1981 Phillies Yearbook that featured Pete Rose's ring. Photos: Gordon's ring inspiration and the surprise portrait featuring Rose's ring.
McGraw and Brusstar: Cross Town Peanut and Fly League Youth Players
Tug McGraw and teammate Warren Brusstar grew up near each other in the 50's and 60's in Vallejo and Napa Valley, California. Although close in proximity, the two played in different youth leagues, Brusstar "Fly League" and Tugger "Peanut League." It wouldn't be until the 70's when these two young baseball enthusiasts would cross paths. In 1977, Tug McGraw injured his elbow putting the Philadelphia Phillies in a position in having to call-up a pitcher from the Minors. Enter, Warren Brusstar to the Bullpen. McGraw and Brusstar remained closed friends on and off the field until Tug's passing in 2004. Along with Tug's Foundation, brother Hank, his cousins and the Brusstars still live in the Napa Valley. After a few stops, (Veteran Stadium, Nashville) Napa Valley is where Tug's final ashes were laid to rest along side his parents and sister. Ya Gotta Believe.
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I like that this doesn’t pretend baseball history is just “moments,” it’s people — the Robinson/Aaron/Gehrig montage really drives that home. The part about calling Hank after seeing the final cut felt especially real; it’s that family lens that keeps a commercial from feeling like pure branding. It weirdly reminded me of how personal “selection” can be in other areas too — I was playing with outfits on StyleLookLab recently and realized curation is basically storytelling either way.
The Terrence Mann quote always gets me, and using it here feels less like nostalgia-bait and more like a reminder that the game’s “heroes” are bigger than highlight reels. On a totally random note, the dreamy, softened look of the footage made me think of those quick ghibli ai portrait styles people do — different medium, same vibe of turning memory into something warmer. Also appreciate that Tug’s included without it feeling forced.
What hit me most is how the ad leans on shared baseball memory without getting too corny — James Earl Jones’ narration basically does all the heavy lifting. Funny side thought: the way legends get stitched together here reminded me of how I once messed around with CaesarCipher to see how layered messages can still feel “simple” on the surface. The Tug/Uncle Hank bit is the kind of personal detail that makes the whole thing land.
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