The home-run race being run by McGwire and the Cubs' Sammy Sosa, who has a healthy 58, has heralded a resurgence of the nation's pastime, scorned by many since its players went on strike in 1994. Baseball sort of lost its way. He came to the stadium in a McGwire jersey and scarlet shorts. It has been a legendary few days in St. Louis, one of the oldest of baseball towns. Thousands draw breath en masse each time McGwire connects.
Batting practice turns into a fireworks show.
Random fans catch home-run balls and hold news conferences for the national media minutes later. Copyright 1998 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved.