#ThisDayThatYear: Mark McGwire set baseball's new home run standard (1998)
On September 27, 1998, Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run in the St. Louis Cardinals' season finale against the Montreal Expos, setting a new record for the most home runs in a single season. The Cardinals won 6-3 at Busch Stadium II and McGwire's achievement electrified baseball fans. This marked a historic moment in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
McGwire shatters single-season record for most homers
In 1998, McGwire hit 70 home runs, breaking Roger Maris' 1961 record of 61. The race captivated the nation, as McGwire and Sammy Sosa competed for the title. McGwire's final home run came in the season finale against Montreal, a seventh-inning line drive off Carl Pavano. Additionally, it was also his fifth homer in the season-ending three-game series.
McGwire's homers aid Cardinals secure season finale victory over Expos
A homer by Fernando Tatis of Mike Thurman in the second inning, McGwire's two home runs in the third and seventh innings, and a stolen base by Brian Jordan sealed the victory for the Cardinals (6-3). With this victory, St. Louis ended their season 83-79 to finish third in the NL Central division. However, the Cardinals did not make the playoffs that season (1998).
McGwire's impressive career stats
McGwire played 16 seasons with the Oakland Athletics and Cardinals, finishing his career with a .263 batting average, 1,626 hits, 583 home runs, 1,414 RBIs, and 1,167 runs scored. He earned one Gold Glove, the Rookie of the Year award, 3 Silver Slugger awards, and a World Series honor with the Oakland Athletics in 1989, sweeping the series 4-0 vs the San Fransisco Giants.
