Who is Mark McGwire?
In the 1998 baseball season, Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball is one of the world’s most valuable sports memorabilia artifacts.
Mark David McGwire, also known as “Big Mac,” is a retired pro baseball first baseman in the United States. He played MLB for the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1986 to 2001. He won one World Series championship as a player with Oakland in 1989 and as a coach with St. Louis in 2011.
Generally acknowledged, McGwire is one of baseball’s most potent hitters. In his race, he bats 583 home runs. And the major-league record for home runs hit in a four-season span from 1996 to 1999 with 245. In addition, as a batter, he had exceptional patience, resulting in a successful career.
What is the significance of this ball?
The home-run leader frequently changed throughout the season. The race to break the record first drew public attention. On August 19, Sosa hit his 48th home run, putting him ahead of McGwire; however, McGwire reclaimed the lead later that day with his 48th and 49th home runs.
McGwire launched a pitch from Cubs pitcher Steve Trachsel over the left-field wall for his record-breaking 62nd home run on September 8, 1998, sparking wild celebrations at Busch Stadium.
McGwire blasted 70 home runs, including five in his final three games during the 1998 season.
How much is its value today?
After the 1998 season, Philip Ozersky, a research scientist, caught the ball at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on September 27. And, he sold the ball in the auction.
Todd McFarlane, a well-known comic book artist, purchased the 70th home run ball at an auction for $3.005 million. The figure was the highest for sports memorabilia ever paid!
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