Note images of Tugger (copyright Phillies).
Monday, June 30, 2025
For Immediate Release
Ya Gotta Believe in Tugger! Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training for a Veteran
with Invisible Wounds of War to Make His Major League Debut at Tuesday’s Game
Team’s new pup – named after beloved Phillie and Marine reservist Tug McGraw – will embark on a mission to support
a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection
On Tuesday, July 1, the Phillies will officially welcome Tugger, a 10-week-old service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster before that night’s game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, Tugger will begin his lifesaving mission of becoming an accredited service dog, with the goal of being placed with a veteran with a disability.
A yellow Labrador retriever, Tugger was born on April 24, 2025, which is two days prior to the 50-year anniversary that his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies.
“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” said music superstar and three-time Grammy Award winner Tim McGraw, son of the late Phillies reliever, who has been a longtime advocate for veterans and worked with the Tug McGraw Foundation. “My father loved the Phillies and took immense pride in his service with the United States Marine Corps. The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory.”
Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, supports injured and disabled veterans through accredited, lifesaving service dogs. Tugger will spend two years in his special service training through Team Foster partner, Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
During this time, Tugger will work with dozens of veterans receiving treatment for physical and psychological wounds. When his training to become a service dog is completed, Tugger will be able to do everything from helping a veteran put on their socks to disrupting nightmares to detecting anxiety attacks.
Tugger will then be placed with a veteran with a disability. Team Foster, whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind,” has helped to connect over 500 veterans with service dogs.
The Phillies’ service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant. This is the second service pup sponsored by the Phillies, with the first being Major, who was recently placed with a veteran.
“Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives. I’ve seen it myself so many times,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director of Team Foster. “But it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap. The Phillies and Warrior Canine Connection are incredible partners in that mission.”
“We’re incredibly honored to have a future service dog named in honor of a Phillies legend,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s a meaningful way to carry forward his legacy—one rooted in strength, service and impact. This special partnership with the Phillies and Team Foster is making Tugger’s mission possible and exemplifies the power of community coming together to support our nation’s veterans.”
“The impact that a service pup like Tugger has on veterans battling invisible wounds of war is truly lifesaving,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “It’s our honor to join Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, who have been a catalyst for making a difference in the lives of so many who have served.”
For more information, follow the Phillies on their social platforms, which will be providing updates on Tugger’s service training.
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ABOUT TEAM FOSTER
Based in Philadelphia, Team Foster was founded in 2014 to honor Army Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in Iraq. It provides a crucial lifeline to injured and disabled veterans at no cost by funding lifesaving, highly trained, accredited service dogs and offering lifetime support to veteran-service dog teams. The organization has raised over $2.25 million while advocating for veterans and their service dogs in the community, workplace and legislatures.
ABOUT WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities.
ABOUT THE TUG MCGRAW FOUNDATION
The Tug McGraw Foundation, founded before Tug McGraw's passing in 2004, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumors. In 2009, the foundation broadened its mission to include support for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. It partners with other organizations to speed up treatment advancements and improve the quality of life for those dealing with brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma. Nationwide, the foundation provides education, resources, and wellness programs at its headquarters at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.
CONTACTS:
Deb Rinaldi, Phillies, drinaldi@phillies.com, 267-408-9545
Jonathan Lowe, Team Foster, JonathanLowe@TeamFoster.org, 215-808-0022
Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org, 719-216-3206
Jennifer Brusstar, The Tug McGraw Foundation, Jennifer@tugmcgraw.org, 707-363-1026
He even has Tug's Twinkling Eyes!
Oohra Tug McGraw
In August 1965, 20-year-old Tug McGraw had just pitched a complete game and defeated the legendary Sandy Koufax. A month later, after completing his rookie season and with war in Southeast Asia escalating, Tug, a U.S. Marine, reported to Parris Island.
He became a rifleman, adept at firing the M14 and M60. He later reported to Camp Lejeune, where he became, as he humorously said, “a trained killer.”
Tug served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1965 to 1971 during the Vietnam era for 6 years as a reservist. He viewed his commitment as a fair exchange for the invaluable lessons they imparted, including elevating his pitching weight to 185 pounds. He credits his service with helping him learn self-control.
“They’ve taught me concentration and self-control,” he shared. “I used to jump around on the mound and wave my arms—it was pretty Little League-ish. Now, you have to approach it with a big-league attitude."
Mission Continues
After the 1969 season, Tug McGraw traveled to Vietnam for a USO tour to visit troops, an experience that left a lasting impact on his life. Throughout the 1990s until his death in 2004, Tug continued to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by organizing softball games at military bases in Asia, Europe, and across the United States.
Today, his legacy continues through the Tug McGraw Foundation, located at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville, an area where Tug grew up and played baseball. The foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those affected by brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma brain tumors through education, resources, and brain wellness programs.
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Dolly The Therapy Canine
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Throughout his baseball career, Tug's beloved dogs frequently captured the attention of journalists. Recognizing the positive impact of therapy dogs on the mental health and well-being for both civilians and military veterans has led increased recognition and support for the inclusion of dogs in comprehensive treatment plans. In 2019, The Tug McGraw Foundation introduced its first approved therapy dog, “Dolly,” who intriguingly shares a lineage with “Patriot,” the yellow Labrador Retriever owned by San Francisco Giants’ Mike Krukow. Dolly was placed with a veteran at the Yountville Veterans Home.
Military Warrior Dog Exhibit
In 2024, the Tug McGraw Foundation partnered with the Napa Valley Museum to showcase a moving exhibition: “Warrior Dogs: Honoring the Service and Sacrifice of America’s Four-Legged Fighters.” This exhibition paid tribute to American military and working dogs, highlighting the profound bond between these canines, their trainers, handlers, veterinarians, and fellow soldiers. It featured 16 life-sized wooden sculptures created by renowned artist James Mellick, including a tribute to Cairo, who served with the U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 during the Bin Laden raid, alongside cutting-edge equipment provided by Special Forces and Storm.
Special thank you to: Warrior Dog Foundation, Will Chesney, Christopher Cappa, K9 Miki, Mike Ritland, Laura Sellards, Canine Guardians, James Mellick, Leslie Flowers, and the Napa Valley Museum.
