Mark McGwire

Mark McGwire 1989

Mark McGwire follow-thru Piazza catching-53

Mark McGwire in Corvette-60 (cropped)

Mark mcgwire

Mark McGwire on June 29, 2011

Mark David McGwire (born October 1, 1963), also known by his nickname "Big Mac," is a former professional baseball player who played the majority of his career in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a first baseman for the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. McGwire is renowned for his powerful batting, having set numerous home run records during his career, including breaking the single-season home run record in 1998—a record that stood until 2001.

Early Life and Career

McGwire was born in Pomona, California, and attended Damien High School in La Verne, California, where he excelled in baseball. He then went on to play college baseball for the University of Southern California (USC), where he was a standout player. McGwire was selected by the Oakland Athletics with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 1984 MLB Draft.

Professional Career

Oakland Athletics

McGwire made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 1986, quickly making a name for himself as a formidable slugger. In 1987, he set the record for most home runs by a rookie with 49, a record that stood until 2017. During his time with the Athletics, McGwire, along with fellow slugger Jose Canseco, was part of the duo known as the "Bash Brothers." He helped lead the Athletics to a World Series championship in 1989.

St. Louis Cardinals

In 1997, McGwire was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued his impressive career. The highlight of his tenure with the Cardinals came in 1998 when he broke Roger Maris's long-standing record of 61 home runs in a single season, setting a new record with 70 home runs. This record-breaking season was one of the most closely followed stories in baseball history, bringing renewed interest and excitement to the sport.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from playing in 2001, McGwire briefly stepped away from baseball before returning as a hitting coach. He served as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and later for the Los Angeles Dodgers, sharing his knowledge and experience with a new generation of players.

Legacy

McGwire's legacy is complex, due in part to his admission in 2010 of using performance-enhancing drugs during his career. While his achievements on the field were remarkable, his admission has sparked debate about the legitimacy of his records and his place in baseball history. Despite this, McGwire's impact on the game, particularly his role in the captivating 1998 home run chase, remains undeniable.

Controversies

The latter part of McGwire's career and his post-retirement years have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his use of performance-enhancing drugs. In 2010, McGwire admitted to using steroids during his playing career, including during the 1998 season when he broke the single-season home run record. This admission has led to a reevaluation of his achievements and has significantly impacted his candidacy for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

See Also

• Home run
• Steroids in baseball
• Baseball Hall of Fame