Tim McGraw’s Father Was Legendary MLB Pitcher Tug McGraw

Tim McGraw’s Surprising Family Discovery

Before the world knew him as a Grammy-winning country star, Tim McGraw was born Samuel Timothy Smith in Louisiana. For years, he believed his stepfather, Horace Smith, was his biological dad.

At just 11 years old, Tim’s life changed when he found his birth certificate while searching for a school project photo. On it, he discovered his real father was Tug McGraw, a professional MLB pitcher.

Tim’s mother introduced him to Tug shortly after, but their bond didn’t begin until Tim turned 18. After graduating high school in 1985, he changed his surname from Smith to McGraw. From then on, father and son shared a close relationship.

Tug McGraw’s Legacy and Passing

Tug McGraw passed away on January 5, 2004, at age 59. In his final months, he lived with Tim and his wife, Faith Hill, at their Tennessee home.

That same month, Tim recorded “Live Like You Were Dying”, a song inspired by Tug’s battle with cancer. Released in June 2004, it became one of Tim’s most powerful and emotional hits, forever linked to his father’s memory.

Tim McGraw Headlines the Historic Field of Dreams Concert

The 1989 film Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner, tells a story filled with father-son symbolism. Its baseball diamond in Dyersville, Iowa, later became a famous tourist attraction, drawing over 65,000 visitors a year by 2009.

On August 30, Tim McGraw headlined the first-ever concert at the Field of Dreams movie site. The lineup also included Dani Rose, Hailey Whitters, and Ty Myers.

In a full-circle moment, Tim revealed the concert happened on what would have been Tug McGraw’s 81st birthday. After the show, Tim shared his excitement online, writing:

“Iowa!! You guys brought it last night! First ever concert at [The Field of Dreams Movie Site] and on Tug’s birthday too! Hard to top that!!”

He even joked that he might see Tug and his late uncle Hank walking out of the cornfield, just like in the film.

A Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Tug McGraw

During the concert, Tim paused to honor his father. He told the crowd it felt “pretty appropriate” to play at the Field of Dreams on Tug’s birthday. Then, he asked fans to join him in singing “Happy Birthday” to Tug McGraw.

The powerful tribute connected Tim’s personal story with one of baseball’s most iconic backdrops. It was more than a concert—it was a celebration of family, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between father and son.

@littleginnybug It was an honor to be part of the first ever concerts at Field of Dreams over the weekend, and to sing Happy Birthday with @Tim McGraw to Tug. 🤍 #timmcgraw #fieldofdreams #concert #countrymusic #happyheavenlybirthday ♬ original sound – 𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐀 💛