Who Was the 1998 Home Run Leader in MLB?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization that is divided into two leagues – the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). Each league is further divided into three divisions – East, Central and West. The 1998 season was an exciting one for baseball fans, as it was the first year that the AL and NL were both split into three divisions. This gave rise to a new wild card system, whereby the two teams with the best records in each league would qualify for the playoffs.
Mark McGwire: 1998 Home Run Leader
The 1998 season was marked by the remarkable performance of Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals. He hit a total of 70 home runs that year, the most home runs ever hit by a single player in a single season. McGwire’s performance that season set records for the most home runs, most runs batted in, and the most walks in a single season. He also set a record for the most home runs in a single month, hitting 24 in August of 1998.
McGwire’s Record-Breaking Performance
McGwire’s 70 home runs in 1998 broke the previous single-season record of 61, which was set by Roger Maris in 1961. It was a remarkable achievement, and it put McGwire in the record books as one of the greatest power hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. His record-breaking performance also helped to bring attention to the sport and to draw in more fans.
The Controversy Surrounding Mark McGwire
Despite McGwire’s record-breaking performance, there was some controversy surrounding his achievements. This was due to the fact that McGwire had been linked to performance-enhancing drugs, and many questioned whether or not his success was due to natural talent or to the use of drugs. This controversy was never resolved, and it still lingers to this day.
McGwire’s Post-1998 Career
After his record-breaking performance in 1998, McGwire continued to play for the St. Louis Cardinals until 2001. He then retired from baseball and went on to become the hitting coach for the Cardinals in 2009. In 2010, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and his career was honored with a bronze plaque.
McGwire’s Impact on Baseball
Mark McGwire’s record-breaking performance in 1998 had a lasting impact on the sport of baseball. His success had an immediate effect on the sport, as it drew in more fans and increased interest in the game. Additionally, McGwire’s performance opened the door for other players to achieve greatness, as he showed that it was possible to break records and achieve remarkable feats.
Other Home Run Leaders in 1998
Although Mark McGwire was the home run leader in 1998, there were a number of other players who had impressive home run totals that season. Below is a list of the other players who hit more than 30 home runs in 1998:
- Sammy Sosa – 66
- Ken Griffey Jr. – 56
- Juan Gonzalez – 45
- Rafael Palmeiro – 43
- Vladimir Guerrero – 42
- Barry Bonds – 37
- Jeff Bagwell – 37
- Gary Sheffield – 34
- Mo Vaughn – 34
- Jeff Kent – 33
- Greg Vaughn – 33
McGwire’s Legacy
Mark McGwire’s record-breaking performance in 1998 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest feats in Major League Baseball history. His legacy will live on as the record-holder for the most home runs in a single season and as one of the greatest power hitters of all time.
McGwire’s Place in Baseball History
Mark McGwire’s place in baseball history is secure, and his record-breaking performance in 1998 will always be remembered. He was a powerful hitter who achieved greatness, and his record-breaking season in 1998 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest feats in Major League Baseball history.
Conclusion
Mark McGwire was the home run leader in MLB in 1998, hitting a total of 70 home runs and setting a new single-season record. His remarkable performance that year helped to bring attention to the sport and to draw in more fans. His legacy will live on as one of the greatest power hitters in the history of Major League Baseball.