Tug McGraw Foundation Announces Hits For Tug's Team Program

NAPA, Calif. and WILMINGTON, Del., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF), founded in honor of legendary pitcher Tug McGraw to fund quality of life research on behalf of brain tumor patients, announced today the launch of Hits for Tug's Team, a youth and student-athlete scholarship program recognizing teams that work to improve their communities.

"It is our goal to carry on Tug's legacy of enthusiasm and motivation and his 'Ya Gotta Believe' spirit. Hits for Tug's Team is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with institutions and organizations that mentor our youth in recognizing how they can make a difference in their communities and to live their voice," said TMF Honorary Chairman Tim McGraw.

Hits for Tug's Team will include two key initiatives. The Delaware High School Program has been developed in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and the Delaware Baseball Coaches Association. A separate initiative has been developed in partnership with Piedmont Baseball, a youth baseball and softball league serving 1,100 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18.

Teams will solicit contributions prior to and during baseball season, and the top three fundraising teams will be recognized. Funds raised through Hits for Tug's Team are shared among the campaign partners. More information about starting your own Hits for Tug's Team or how to support your team is available at http://www.HitsforTugsTeam.org.

In 2007, a pilot program with the Salesianum School and St. Mark's High School baseball programs raised approximately $15,000 and increased awareness of brain tumor related issues. This year, all 45 Delaware high school baseball programs have committed to raising funds to support TMF as well as their own teams.

"Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor death in children under age 20. As the parent of a child with a brain tumor, I recognize the impact this program has not only in raising awareness of brain tumor related issues, but also in helping children understand the power and pride they can take from making a positive difference in another person's life," said TMF board member Jim McKeon.

About Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are the most common type of cancer in children. Each year in the United States, approximately 2,000 children under the age of 16 are diagnosed with a brain tumor. In children under age 15, brain tumors are the second-leading cause of cancer death; they are the third-leading cause of cancer death in young adults ages 20 to 39. Over the past 10 years, brain tumor research has advanced significantly, yet the reality of living with a brain tumor remains the same. Brain tumors alter thought, emotion, memory, movement and language. Quality of life research is recognized as a needed component of brain tumor care.

About the Tug McGraw Foundation

The Tug McGraw Foundation was established to raise funds for pioneering brain tumor research, increase public awareness of the disease, and support students who exemplify leadership and Tug's inspiring "Ya Gotta Believe" spirit. To learn more about the Foundation and how to support Hits for Tug's Team, please visit: http://www.tugmcgraw.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBS)

BBBS of Delaware has been providing mentors for Delaware youth for over 40 years. BBBS offers one-to-one relationships between a caring adult volunteer and a child who may need extra adult attention and guidance. BBBS mentors have influenced the lives of over 1 million children in thousands of communities across the nation -- one child at a time. More information is available at http://www.bbbsde.org.

    About The Delaware Baseball Coaches Association
    For more information visit http://www.debca.org.

About Piedmont Baseball

Piedmont Baseball serves roughly 1,100 children for its main program: spring-time baseball for boys ages 5 to 18 years old and softball for girls ages 8 to 14 years old. In addition to competitive spring leagues, Piedmont Baseball organizes a less competitive, instructional program during the fall. Clinics are organized during the winter for training players, adult coaches and umpires. More information is available at http://www.piedmontbaseball.com.