Meet Tugger, the newest four-legged rookie to join the Philadelphia Phillies lineup with a mission that reaches far beyond the ballpark. Tugger is a service dog in training with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), and his training is supported by the Phillies Charitable Foundation and nonprofit partner, Team Foster. 

All WCC’s dogs are named after Veterans past and present. Tugger is named in honor of beloved Phillies icon Tug McGraw, the legendary relief pitcher who helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 1980. Off the field, McGraw also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 

Tugger is the second pup sponsored by the Phillies and Team Foster, following WCC service-dog-in-training Major. Over the next 18–24 months, he’ll take part in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, training alongside Philadelphia-area Veterans. This process not only prepares Tugger to become a future service dog for a Veteran with visible or invisible wounds but also provides therapeutic benefits to those helping train him—like reduced anxiety, improved communication, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Tugger’s journey is just beginning, and he’s already captured hearts with his big-league energy and wagging tail. Backed by the Phillies, Team Foster, The Tug McGraw Foundation and Warrior Canine Connection, he’s more than a lovable pup—he’s training to become a life-changing service dog for a Veteran in need. As he embarks on this important mission, the city of Philadelphia is behind him, ready to cheer him on every step of the way. 

Watch Tugger’s national TV debut on Good Morning America here.
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