Two popular foundations in recognition of former Phillies are joining up for a day at the ballpark to celebrate brain health and wellness.
The Darren Daulton Foundation and the Tug McGraw Foundation are teaming up to host “A Day at the Phillies” on Aug. 13 at 1:35 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park as the Phillies take on the Minnesota Twins on Phillies Alumni Day.
Daulton, a former catcher from the 1993 National League championship team, and McGraw, a relief pitcher from the 1980 World Series championships team, both died of brain cancer, however their memories live on through their respective foundations.
Daulton was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2013 and fought bravely for four years before succumbing to his illness in August 2017. During his fight, he created the Darren Daulton Foundation alongside his wife Amanda to help others fighting brain cancer.
McGraw was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2003 and died nine months later after a surgery failed to remove the entirety of the malignant tumor. The Tug McGraw Foundation was created during his battle to enhance the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with debilitating neurological brain conditions.
The two foundations are raising money together for similar causes.
“The Darren Daulton Foundation is pleased and honored to join efforts with the Tug McGraw Foundation as we work together to help raise funds and awareness for those affected by brain cancer,” said Brett A. Datto, president of the Darren Daulton Foundation. “Darren and Tug were born leaders and true Phillies ambassadors throughout their playing careers and beyond. Through their respective foundations, Darren and Tug’s teammates, friends and families have come together to help carry on their legacies of making vital contributions to so many people and families throughout the world. The ‘Day at the Phillies with The Darren Daulton Foundation and Tug McGraw Foundation’ will be a great day to support these wonderful organizations, while enjoying a day of baseball that will be filled with the love displayed by Darren and Tug throughout their lives.”
Tickets to “A Day at the Phillies” can be found at https://www.mlb.com/phillies/tickets/specials/darren-daulton-foundation and are $37. They will be in Pavilion Sections 206-211 (subject to availability). At checkout, a $6 per ticket Group Fundraiser rebate will be applied to the order and those proceeds will benefit the Darren Daulton Foundation and the Tug McGraw Foundation.
Darren Daulton Foundation ambassadors Mickey Morandini and Tommy Greene as well as the Phanatic are expected to make a pregame appearance in the special sections. Foundation merchandise will be for sale in the third base area near the Concourse.
“We are proud to join the Darren Daulton Foundation for a Day at the Phillies,” Tug McGraw Foundation CEO Jennifer Brusstar said. “Glioblastoma brain cancer is an aggressive cancer that has taken far too many of our loved ones including Darren and Tug. It’s critical that we continue to raise public awareness and support those that are in the fight and honor those that have lost their battle. What we love about this event – it’s a double play for your brain. Not only will your ticket purchase help further our missions but studies now show watching sports together is a great way to improve your well-being.”
