On December 28, 1998, Mark McGwire was picked as The Associated Press male athlete of the year for 1998 for breaking Roger Maris’s single season home run record and for helping save the game of baseball. His home run mark not only served to help the St. Louis Cardinals in their season, but also helped to win back fans for the whole sport following the 1994 players’ strike.
I don’t know whether to celebrate this or feel sad. One thing I wish baseball would do is include a section at the HOF of players accused of steroids or in McGwire’s case, one who admitted to using them, so kids learn a more comprehensive history.
That would be an interesting exhibit, for sure. I agree, that home run race was exciting at the time it was happening, but when you learn the details behind it all, it becomes so disappointing.