Mark McGwire's 62nd Home Run

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Mark McGwire's 62nd home run on September 8, 1998, was a pivotal moment in baseball history. Facing the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium, McGwire hit a 341-foot home run off Steve Trachsel, breaking Roger Maris's 37-year-old single-season record of 61 home runs. This event captivated the nation, as it marked the culmination of a season-long home run chase between McGwire and Sammy Sosa, revitalizing interest in Major League Baseball following the 1994 strike. The historic home run was celebrated with an 11-minute delay, as McGwire was congratulated by teammates and the Maris family. The ball was retrieved by Tim Forneris, a member of the Cardinals' grounds crew, who gave it to McGwire. This moment symbolized a resurgence in baseball's popularity, as McGwire went on to finish the season with 70 home runs, while Sosa hit 66. Despite the record being later broken by Barry Bonds, McGwire's achievement remains iconic in baseball lore.