Full Name : Mark David McGwire
Born : October 1, 1963
Hometown : Pomona, California
Height : 6' 5
Weight : 250 lbs
Bats : Right
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : August 22, 1986 for the Oakland Athletics
Family : wife, Kathlene Hughes (29 December 1984 - 1990) (divorced) 1 child, Stephanie Slemer (20 April 2002 - present) 2 children
Primary Position : 1st Baseman
Unquestionably one of the most disputed players in the game, Marck McGwire will always be remembered for the impact that he has had on Major League Baseball. Born on October 1, 1963, in Pomona, California, McGwire would eventually become one of baseball's most feared hitters of the 1990's. Recognized for his extreme power and ability to make contact, he began his career in 1986 as an Oakland Athletic. It was here that he established himself as a pitcher's worst enemy, joining up with Jose Canseco to form one of the game's most dynamic power-hitting duos, the "Bash Brothers." He and Canseco led the team to three consecutive World Series, though the club only managed to win one of them in 1989.
To McGwire's misfortune, he suffered from a range of injuries that limited his playing time in the early 1990's. After appearing in only 27 games in 1993, the Athletics were unsure of whether or not "Big Mac" could still produce. In addition, manager Tony LaRussa witnessed a significant decline in McGwire's batting average, which clearly demonstrated that the power was there but the ability to make contact was slowly worsening. Known once as a prime contributor to the Athletics' ball club, Mark was losing his touch in Oakland. In July of 1997, he was traded to the Cardinals of St. Louis (where he would rejoin his old manager Tony LaRussa), where he hoped to turn things around and become the impact player that he one was.
What better way to get your groove back than break the single-season home run record held by one of baseball's most prestigious hitters, Roger Maris? That is just what McGwire did as a Cardinal in 1998. Battling it out with Sammy Sosa all season, the two put on a show that many considered a roller coaster ride. On September 8, 1998, McGwire cranked his record-breaking 62nd home run, giving him the fame that was once held by Maris. Ironically, the game was against the Chicago Cubs, and Sammy Sosa was there to personally congratulate him for his achievement. McGwire ended up setting the new record at 70 single-season home runs, and that record would eventually be broken by Barry Bonds.
But where does McGwire stand today? Due to the steroid allegations that began to surround his career after he refused to answer questions at a Congressional hearing in March of 2005, many fans became skeptical. McGwire also admitted to using a performance enhancing substance that was legal in the MLB at the time, but still considered unjustified. After all, 70 homers in one season is a feat that many power hitters do not even come near. This year, McGwire will be eligible for the hall of fame, as his name will appear on the ballot for the first time. No other player that has hit over 500 career home runs has been rejected, and McGwire's credibility (or lack of for that matter) will no doubt make voters scratch their heads and ponder their decision.
Either way, the numbers are already in the books, and Big Mac has definitely put up some of the most astonishing career statistics that separate him from other first-basemen. Next to his singe-season home run record, McGwire also had a career average of roughly one home run per every 10.5 plate appearances, which is the lowest ratio of this kind in baseball history. Not to mention that he was the 1987 American League Rookie of the Year in addition to a Gold Glove Award winner in 1990. His credentials easily qualify him as one of the game's most influential players. But do the steroid allegations take away from his success? You be the judge.
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