Home Run Chasers: McGwire, Sosa, Griffey Jr. Make History

Strategic Insights -

Home run king Mark McGwire and his nemesis, Sammy Sosa, have each hit 53 home runs this season, racing towards Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs. McGwire's latest home run came in Pittsburgh, where he was showered with a curtain call from the crowd. Meanwhile, Sosa hit his 50th home run at Wrigley Field, driving him closer to the record. McGwire and Sosa have 32 games left to make history, with their teams trying to make a push for the playoffs. The chase has become a thrilling spectator event, with McGwire and Sosa exchanging quotes and banter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mark McGwire hit his 53rd home run of the season, tying him with Sammy Sosa in the chase for Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs.
  • McGwire's home run came in Pittsburgh, where he received a curtain call from the crowd, a rare ovation for a visiting player.
  • Sosa hit his 50th home run at Wrigley Field, his second in a two-day span, propelling him closer to the record.
  • McGwire and his St. Louis Cardinals have 32 games left to make history and break Maris' record.
  • McGwire's teammate, Brian Jordan, was congratulated by McGwire after his home run in a losing effort against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
  • McGwire plans to take today's game at Pittsburgh off, following his fifth home run in five days.
  • McGwire is the third NL player to hit 53 home runs in a season, joining Ralph Kiner (54 in 1949) and Hack Wilson, who hit a league-record 56 in 1930.
  • McGwire's surge has brought him attention, with one reporter asking him, "Geoffrey, do you think you can break (Maris') 61?"

Statistics:

  • McGwire has 53 home runs, tying him with Sammy Sosa in the chase for Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs.
  • Sosa has hit 50 home runs, his second in two days, propelling him closer to the record.
  • McGwire has 32 games left to make history and break Maris' record.
  • Griffey has hit home runs just twice in 89 at-bats in August, claiming a "cut-throat pace."
  • Griffey has hit 43 home runs, leading the American League.
  • McGwire's home run in Pittsburgh came in a losing effort, a bitter pill to swallow after a thrilling performance.

Sources:

  • Associated Press