University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA). In 1991, he bottomed out with a .201 average and 22 homers. As of 2015, McGwire owned three of the four lowest single-season AB/HR ratios in MLB history, which covered his 1996, 1998 and 1999 seasons. They join brothers Max and Mason. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. When you scan the list of all-time single-season home run leaders, you see a consistent group of legends. Here's Joe Buck on the call: Sosa, who hit 63 home runs in 1999, again trailed McGwire. In case it’s not painfully clear, I’m a lifelong Cubs fan and thus the ideal audience for a feature-length documentary on the 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Mark McGwire’s 1998 baseball season was not only important because he broke Roger Maris’ home run record. Injuries significantly cut into his playing time in 2000 and 2001 before factoring into his retirement. In later years, his mobility decreased and, with it, his defense; however, McGwire's batting averages after his rookie season plummeted to .260, .231, and .235 from 1988 to 1990. Are you a Stathead, too? "[37] He admitted using them in the 1989/90 offseason and then after he was injured in 1993. [43], McGwire appeared as himself in season 7, episode 13 of the sitcom Mad About You.[44]. For election, a player needs to be listed on 75% of ballots cast; falling under 5% removes a player from future consideration. On December 2, 2015, he was named the new bench coach for the San Diego Padres. He played just 104 games in 1995, but his proportional totals were much improved: 39 home runs in 317 at-bats. It was foolish and it was a mistake. Despite the declining averages during this time of his career, his high bases on balls totals allowed him to maintain acceptable OBPs. Tap to unmute. Prior to admitting to using steroids, McGwire avoided the media and spent much of his free time playing golf. Injuries cut short the manifestation of even greater potential as he reached 140 games played in just eight of 16 total seasons. Further, in each of those four seasons, he exceeded 50 home runs, becoming the first player to do so. I truly apologize. One of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history, McGwire holds the major league career record for at bats per home run ratio (10.6), and is the former record holder for both home runs in a single season (70 in 1998) and home runs hit by rookie (49 in 1987). Many thanks to him. He was generally regarded as a good fielder in his early years, even winning a Gold Glove Award in 1990 – the only one that New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly would not win between 1985 and 1994. In 2005, The Sporting News published an update of their list, and McGwire had been moved up to Number 84. The subsequent ballot in 2011 showed the first sub-20% total of 115 votes (19.8%), and McGwire's total votes continued to decline (112 votes (19.5%) in 2012, 96 votes (16.9%) in 2013, 63 votes (11.0%) in 2014, and 55 votes (10.0%) in 2015) until he was eliminated after receiving only 54 votes (12.3%) in 2016. Mark McGwire simply lined a laser to left -- his shortest home run of the season at 341 feet -- and the biggest, most glamorous record in sports was his.. Homer No. Mark McGwire inspired a renaissance of our National Pastime in 1998 as he blasted his way to a Major League single-season record 70 home runs, eclipsing Roger Maris’ record of 61 homers in 1961. He was also the first player to hit 49 or more home runs five times, including his rookie-season record of 49 in 1987. Watch later. [24], In early November 2012, McGwire rejected a contract extension to return as Cardinals hitting coach for the 2013 season. [citation needed], Statistically in 2000 and 2001, McGwire's numbers declined relative to previous years as he struggled to avoid injury (32 HR in 89 games, and 29 HR in 97 games, respectively). Further, he demonstrated exemplary patience as a batter, producing a career .394 on-base percentage (OBP) and twice leading the major leagues in bases on balls. Finished the decade with 405... with a home run in the first game of an 8/22 doubleheader at NY, extended his record for consecutive 50-homer seasons to four. 61 on the last day of a … For the fourth consecutive season, he led MLB in home runs with 65. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. us. [17] Despite playing just two-thirds of the season in the American League, he finished ninth in home runs. Right under him both Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire’s home runs also increased in numbers, however, not as high as Bonds. In 1998, Mark McGwire beat Sammy Sosa in the race to eclipse Roger Maris' single-season home run record. Or write about sports? Mark McGwire, in full Mark David McGwire, byname Big Mac, (born October 1, 1963, Pomona, California, U.S.), American professional baseball player, considered one of the most powerful hitters in the history of the game. McGwire stepped into the batter's box with two outs and no one on base in the fourth inning at 8:18 p.m. CDT, having stuck to his unwavering on-deck routine. McGwire tied Maris’ record on Sept. 7 with a home run against the Cubs. 12,836th in MLB history) [11], McGwire's most famous home run with the A's was likely his game-winning solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 of the 1988 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and former A's closer Jay Howell. With a career average of one home every 10.61 at-bats, he holds the MLB record for most home runs per at-bat by over a full at-bat more than second-place Babe Ruth (11.76).[30]. In 1998 he set a major league record for most home runs in a season (70), breaking Roger Maris ’s mark of 61. MARK McGWIRE’S 1998 HOME RUN BREAKDOWN Info. After three years at Southern California and a stint on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, the Oakland Athletics drafted McGwire tenth overall in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft. vs. NYY 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB, Last Game: 62. Some high school data is courtesy David McWater. In 2010, McGwire publicly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during a large portion of his career.[4]. Did you know that Mark McGwire appeared in 81 games at home, had 263 at-bats, drove in 80 runs, scored 72 times, had 83 hits (10 doubles / 0 triples / 38 home runs), walked 94 times (20 intentional), struck out 83 times, was hit by a pitcher 4 times, sacrificed 3 times (0 hits & 3 flies), and finished at home with a .315 batting average, .497 on base percentage and .787 slugging average? [42] He also worked as a hitting coach for Major League players Matt Holliday, Bobby Crosby, Chris Duncan and Skip Schumaker. It was also his fourth consecutive season with at least 50 home runs, extending his own major league record. Exceeded rookie limits during 1987 season, National Team: He has another brother, Jay McGwire, a bodybuilder, who wrote a book in 2010 detailing their shared steroid use.[39][40]. McGwire's 1997 season ranked 13th. High School: Damien HS (La Verne, CA), School: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA), Debut: Born: He was one of only four players to hit a ball over the roof in the left field of Tiger Stadium.[16]. Copyright © 2000-2021 Sports Reference LLC. [27] He was suspended for two games starting the next day. [4], McGwire's brother Dan McGwire was a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins of the NFL in the early 1990s, and was a first-round draft choice out of San Diego State University. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Salaries may not be complete (especially pre-1985) and may not include some earned bonuses, Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. Before the All-Star break arrived, he totaled 33 HR and earned a spot on the American League (AL) All-Star team. Do you have a sports website? 1987), from a previous marriage (1984–1990, divorced) to Kathleen Hughes. "Long Gone Summer" premieres on Sunday, ... when McGwire tied Roger Maris' record with his 61st home run. But now we know that when McGwire broke that record… He finished with 583 home runs, which was fifth all-time when he retired. McGwire also holds the record for most homers in two seasons (119) and three seasons (171), easily surpassing Ruth. In fact, when he hit .201, his OPS+ was 103, or just over league average. [38], McGwire's decision to admit using steroids was prompted by his decision to become hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals. McGwire debuted in the major leagues in August 1986, hitting three home runs and nine runs batted in in 18 games. Overall in 1997, McGwire led the majors with 58 home runs. His Major League Baseball (MLB) playing career spanned from 1986 to 2001 while playing for the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals, winning one World Series championship each, with Oakland as a player in 1989 and with St. Louis as a coach in 2011. Mark has a son, Matthew (b. The "new look" McGwire hit 42 homers and batted .268 in 1992, with an outstanding OPS+ of 175 (the highest of his career to that point), and put on a home run hitting show at the Home Run Derby during the 1992 All-Star break. The home run was McGwire's 400th of the 1990s, making him only the third player to hit as many as 400 in one decade, after Babe Ruth (467 in the 1920s) and Jimmie Foxx (415 in the 1930s). He hit just four in the month of April, but followed in May with 15, and another nine in June. A part of the 1998 Major League Baseball home run record chase of Roger Maris' 61 with the Cardinals, McGwire set the major league single-season home run record with 70,[1] which Barry Bonds broke three years later with 73. As the 1998 season progressed, it became clear that McGwire, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., and Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa were all on track to break Roger Maris's single-season home run record. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1981 amateur draft but did not sign. vs. HOU 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB, Rookie Status: [28], Known as one of the top sluggers of his era, McGwire ended his career with 583 home runs, which was fifth-most in history when he retired. Totaling 245 home runs from 1996−99, it was the highest four-season home run output in major league history. in Pomona, CA October 1, 1963 Rookie home run record and major league leader (1987), Single-season home run record chase (1998). Working diligently on his defense at first base, McGwire bristled at the notion that he was a one-dimensional player. Barry Bonds snapped McGwire’s record in 2001 with 73 home runs. us Share. Can you name the 3 rookies since then to post a better OPS+? THE PITCHER: Chicago Cubs right-hander Steve Trachsel. Retaining his rookie status in 1987, McGwire took center stage in baseball with his home runs. USA (Oly,College), More Mark McGwire Pages at Baseball Reference, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Thursday, April 29, 8:03AM. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa dealt with the pressures of the home run race differently. Mark McGwire's record-setting 62nd home run at a glance: THE PLACE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, before a sellout crowd of 43,688. August 22, 1986 Matthew was often a batboy for the Cardinals during summer vacations from school while McGwire was playing, and was present when his father hit his On July 31, having already amassed 34 home runs to this point in the 1997 season, McGwire was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the St. Louis Cardinals for T. J. Mathews, Eric Ludwick and Blake Stein. He ranks 11th all time in home runs with 583, and led the major leagues in home runs in five different seasons, while establishing the major league record for home runs hit in a four-season period from 1996 to 1999 with 245. Find out more. On September 8, 1998, McGwire hit a pitch by the Cubs' Steve Trachsel over the left field wall for his record-breaking 62nd home run, setting off massive celebrations at Busch Stadium. When he hit his 500th career home run in 1999, he did so in 5,487 career at bats, the fewest in major league history. He placed 16th in the NL MVP voting. McGwire was born in Pomona, California. McGwire's total of 363 home runs with the Athletics surpassed the previous franchise record. The fact that the game was against the Cubs meant that Sosa was able to congratulate McGwire personally on his achievement. On August 19, Sosa hit his 48th home run to move ahead of McGwire; however, later that day McGwire hit his 48th and 49th home runs to regain the lead. Foot injuries limited McGwire to a total of 74 games in 1993 and 1994, and just 9 home runs in each of the two seasons. October 7, 2001 Mark David McGwire (Pomona, California, 1 de octubre de 1963) apodado "Big Mac" es un jugador retirado de béisbol estadounidense, logró su primer éxito en los Juegos Olímpicos celebrados en Los Ángeles en 1984 (en los que consiguió la medalla de plata con la selección de su país). Maybe the most remarkable aspect of the Great Home Run Chase of 1998 was that everyone expected Roger Maris' record to fall. [20], McGwire kept his high level of offensive production from 1998 going in 1999 while setting or extending several significant records. [31] Considered one of the slowest running players in the game, McGwire had the fewest career triples (six) of any player with 5,000 or more at-bats, and had just 12 stolen bases while being caught stealing eight times. After three years at Southern California and a stint on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, the Oakland Athletics drafted McGwire tenth overall in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft. They reside in Irvine, Californiawith their son, Max. He was thus a unanimous choice for the AL Rookie of the Year Award and finished sixth overall in the AL Most Valuable Player Award voting. They were actually the top three seasons in MLB history until Bonds broke his single-season HR record in 2001. (Age 22-325d, [9][10] Through May 2009, McGwire was tied for third all-time with Joe DiMaggio in home runs over his first two calendar years in the major leagues (71), behind Chuck Klein (83) and Ryan Braun (79). Thus, they became the first, and still only, players in major league history to hit 60 or more home runs in consecutive seasons. In a tearful opening statement, McGwire said: Asking me or any other player to answer questions about who took steroids in front of television cameras will not solve the problem. Copy link. McGwire married Stephanie Slemer, a former pharmaceutical sales representative from the St. Louis area, in Las Vegas on April 20, 2002. It was the last year of his contract, so there was speculation that McGwire would play for the Cardinals only for the remainder of the season, then seek a long-term deal, possibly in Southern California, where he still lived; however, McGwire signed a contract to stay in St. Louis. 9/8/98: Mark McGwire Hits No. How deliciously ironic, then, that the biggest home run of McGwire's record season turned out to be the shortest of his 62, a 341-foot piece of sweet simplicity. He broke the record the following night with a 341-foot shot off Chicago’s Steve Trachsel. McGwire married Stephanie Slemer—a former pharmaceutical sales representative from the St. Louis area—in Las Vegas on April 20, 2002. Win Expectancy, Run Expectancy, and Leverage Index calculations provided by Tom Tango of InsideTheBook.com, and co-author of The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. The Final Season, p.90, Tom Stanton, Thomas Dunne Books, An imprint of St. Martin's Press, New York, 2001, Mark and Me: Mark McGwire and the Truth Behind Baseball's Worst-Kept Secret, Oakland Athletics first-round draft picks, Pac-12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year, 1998 Major League Baseball home run record chase, major league single-season home run record, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big, List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball home run records, List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls leaders, List of Major League Baseball career extra base hits leaders, List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball career OPS leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball career strikeouts by batters leaders, List of Major League Baseball career slugging percentage leaders, St. Louis Cardinals award winners and league leaders, "Progressive Leaders & Records for Home Runs", "Bonds testified that substances didn't work", "Mark McGwire Stats - Baseball-Reference.com", "Yankees' Aaron Judge breaks Mark McGwire's rookie HR record", "July 3, 1988 Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays play by play and box score", "July 4, 1988 Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians Jays play by play and box score", Sandler, Jeremy, "NL Weekly: The Notebook", National Post, May 27, 2009, accessed 5/28/09, "October 18, 1988 World Series Game 3 at Network Associates Coliseum Play by Play and Box Score", https://web.archive.org/web/20150701040841/http://www.sdccd.edu/events/we/wepdf/we-sp99.pdf, "THE BIG DEALS / THE A'S / McGwire finally traded -- to Cards", "McGwire to speak, but date not set: Cards GM hopeful new hitting coach will appear soon", https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AjP3IcZXdVWvfZt.c6hW8uYRvLYF?slug%3Dap-cardinals-mcgwire, "Mark McGwire expected to be Dodgers' hitting coach", "Report: McGwire to become Dodgers' hitting coach", "Report: Mark McGwire close to joining Los Angeles Dodgers as hitting coach", MLB Ejections 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076: Clint Fagan (3–8), "Mark McGwire not returning as Padres' coach to spend time with family", "Career Leaders & Records for at bats per home run", "Single-season leaders & records for AB per HR", "2016 Hall of Fame Voting - Baseball-Reference.com", "McGwire learning the 'art of coaching' as hitting instructor with the Cardinals", "McGwire comes clean, admits steroids use", "Book: McGwire's brother shares steroids secrets", "A Moorish fantasy in Irvine's Shady Canyon", National League Slugging Percentage Champion, Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, National League season runs batted in leaders, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, American League First Baseman Gold Glove Award, National League First Baseman Silver Slugger Award, American League First Baseman Silver Slugger Award, 1984 Major League Baseball draft first round selections, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_McGwire&oldid=1019644993, Baseball players at the 1983 Pan American Games, Baseball players at the 1984 Summer Olympics, Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners, Olympic silver medalists for the United States in baseball, Pan American Games bronze medalists for the United States, Articles with dead external links from June 2016, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Articles with dead external links from September 2016, Wikipedia pending changes protected pages, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017, Wikipedia articles with CANTIC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, August 22, 1986, for the Oakland Athletics, October 7, 2001, for the St. Louis Cardinals, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 24 April 2021, at 15:35. In 1998, McGwire and Sosa engaged in a season-long quest to take down Maris' single-season home run record of 61, a competition that is the subject of "Long Gone Summer," a … [3], McGwire was one of several central figures in baseball's steroids scandal. [5] He played college baseball at the University of Southern California (where he was a teammate of Randy Johnson and Jack Del Rio) under coach Rod Dedeaux. Ops+ was 103, or just over League average Sosa, who hit 63 runs. Of even greater potential as he reached 140 games mark mcgwire home run record in 153 games that season seasons ( 119 and. Mark McGwire broke the record for most homers in 423 at-bats home Award. Then to post a better OPS+ 245 home runs despite the declining averages during this time of his Free playing! 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