Mark McGwire breaks home run record on September 8

On September 8, 1998, a significant milestone in baseball history occurred when Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the season, breaking Roger Maris' long-standing record of 61 home runs set in 1961. This event took place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where fans erupted in celebration as McGwire's historic shot off Chicago Cubs pitcher Steve Trachsel marked a pivotal moment in the sport. The achievement not only highlighted McGwire's exceptional talent but also reignited interest in baseball during a time when the sport was recovering from a strike in 1994-1995. The 1998 season was characterized by an intense home run race between McGwire and Sammy Sosa, which captivated fans and brought excitement back to Major League Baseball. Both players were seen as symbols of the sport's resurgence, and their rivalry played a crucial role in drawing attention to baseball after years of declining viewership. McGwire's record-breaking home run was celebrated not just as a personal achievement but as a victory for the sport itself. In the aftermath of this event, McGwire became a national hero, and his accomplishment was widely covered in the media, leading to increased attendance at games and heightened interest in baseball memorabilia. However, the legacy of this record would later be complicated by discussions surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, as McGwire's career became intertwined with the steroid controversy that emerged in the following years. Ultimately, McGwire's achievement on September 8, 1998, remains a landmark moment in baseball history, symbolizing both the highs and lows of the sport during a transformative period.