Mark McGwire, the hard-slugging first baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals, belted his way into the record books in 1998 with the greatest home-run-hitting display ever. He pounded 70 home runs, smashing New York Yankee Roger Maris's single-season record of 61, set back in the 1961 season. In addition, he became the only player to hit more than 50 home runs in each of three consecutive seasons. McGwire has been one of the most feared hitters in the game since he hit 49 home runs as a rookie in 1987.

Growing up

Big family

Mark David McGwire was born October 1, 1963. He was the second of five sons of John McGwire, a dentist, and his wife Ginger. All five McGwire boys grew to at least 6 feet 5 inches and weighed more than 210 pounds. Dan McGwire starred at quarterback for the University of Iowa and played with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...