U.S. Sen. John McCain died Saturday, Aug. 25, at his Arizona home after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 81.
McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee for president, was a regular spectator at Arizona's major sports venues, most notably Chase Field, home of MLB's Diamondbacks.
As John McCain rides off into the sunset, here he is wearing gear from all four Arizona professional sports teams over the past few years. @UniWatch @PhilHecken pic.twitter.com/xCU0MCc6K8
— James Beattie (@JamesGBeattie) August 26, 2018
The D-backs and the state's major sports franchises tweeted tributes soon after McCain's death was announced.
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Diamondbacks
Goodbye to an American hero, one we were lucky enough to call a loyal fan.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 26, 2018
Rest in peace, Senator John McCain. Our thoughts are with your family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/KIMZS1w7Pq
John McCain has always been a member of the D-backs’ family & was one of this team’s biggest fans since day 1. He was in attendance at the expansion draft, World Series & countless other games, remaining a fan through thick & thin. I am honored to consider him a friend & we will
— Derrick Hall (@DHallDbacks) August 26, 2018
Cardinals
Your legacy in our state and country will forever live on.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2018
May you rest in peace, Senator John McCain.
Our thoughts are with all of @SenJohnMcCain’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/U5GDs0qOUa
Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald last December wrote an appreciation of McCain for SI.com. Fitzgerald lauded McCain for his courage during his time as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
Suns/Mercury
You’ll be missed, Senator McCain. pic.twitter.com/2qMYmFciJm
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 26, 2018
Coyotes
We’ll never forget your loyalty to our team, our state, and our country. Thank you, Senator. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/MOXrDMjNYQ
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) August 26, 2018
The state's major universities responded, as well:
Arizona State
The entire Arizona State University community joins the nation in mourning the loss of Sen. John McCain. https://t.co/NDyxiZSaUL
— Arizona State University (@ASU) August 26, 2018
Arizona
Farewell to an American hero.
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) August 26, 2018
Our condolences to the family and loved ones of Senator John McCain. pic.twitter.com/mkYuxCMiav