Biography

In 1998, he and Sammy Sosa were both neck and neck in the homerun race, trying to break Roger Maris's record of most homeruns hit in a single season with 61. McGwire established a new record of 70 homeruns that stood until surpassed by Barry Bonds of the San Fransisco Giants.

Has a son named Matthew, born 1987.

Agreed to a 2 year-30 million dollar contract extension in 2000. However, retired in 2001 and revealed that he never actually signed the contract and did not take the guranteed money.

Like Babe Ruth, started his career as a pitcher.

Member of the 1984 USA Olympic baseball team.

What a perfect way to end the home stand, by hitting sixty-two for the city of St. Louis and all the fans. I truly wanted to do it here and I did. Thank you St. Louis.

I wish that every player could feel what I've felt in visiting ballparks. The receptions I've received, it's blown me away. It's absolutely remarkable.

Only sixteen players have hit fifty or more homers in a season. To me, that's a very special milestone.

I don't know if I want to break my own record. I think I would rather leave it as it is.

In '83, we went over to Amsterdam. I just remember people saying, 'Baseball's just starting over here. They're learning how to play the game of baseball.'