Mark McGwire had his doubts. The line drive looked a little low. But then he and all the world watched it fly out of the park and into history last Tuesday night. It was Big Mac's 62nd home run of the year. With it, the Cardinal slugger broke Roger Maris' 1961 record for most homers in a season.
Fans in St. Louis' Busch Stadium yelped with joy. Among those who congratulated McGwire was a member of the opposing team, Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa. Sosa is just a few hits short of breaking the record too. McGwire exchanged hugs with members of the Maris family.
The stadium worker who caught the ball, said to be worth $1 million, gave it back to McGwire.
The slugger said of his stunning achievement, "It's unbelievable! Thank you, St. Louis."