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Maris, Roger

Mark McGwire Breaks Roger Maris's 37-Year-Old Home Run Record

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-3, Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the year, surpassing Roger Maris's 37-year-old record. The historic moment was celebrated with an enormous outpouring of excitement from the crowd at Busch Stadium, and McGwire was mobbed by his teammates as he reached home plate. McGwire, who has 18 more games to expand on his record, expressed his pride and gratitude to his son, the Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis fans who supported him throughout his journey.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris's 37-year-old home run record by hitting his 62nd home run of the year, a line shot that cleared the left-field wall by just a few feet.
  • The record-breaking home run was the shortest one McGwire hit all year, traveling only 341 feet and rolling under the left-field seats.
  • McGwire's achievement came after intense pressure throughout the season, with fans and media questioning whether he would break the Maris record.
  • The record-breaking home run sparked a massive celebration at Busch Stadium, with Mc Gwire's teammates mobbing him as he reached home plate.
  • Sammy Sosa, the Cubs' right fielder, was positioned in right field when McGwire hit his homer and was seen hugging Mc Gwire as he celebrated.
  • McGwire's achievement has put him in position to establish a home run total that could last for generations.

Statistics:

  • Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the year, surpassing Roger Maris's 37-year-old record.
  • The record-breaking home run was the 341st shortest of the year, and traveled only 341 feet to clear the left-field wall.
  • Members of the St. Louis ground crew, including Tim Forneris, will not keep the ball but will likely donate it to the Hall of Fame or give it to McGwire.
  • The game between the Cardinals and Cubs was halted for 10 minutes after McGwire hit the record-breaking home run.
  • McGwire now has 18 more games to expand on his record and may face competition from Sammy Sosa, who has 58 home runs of his own.

Sources:

  • United Press International, (copyright 1998)

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