Mark McGwire’s career was filled with jaw-dropping homers that electrified crowds. From memorable moonshots to record-breaking moments, his swings echoed through the ballpark. Here’s a look at 20 of McGwire’s greatest home runs that defined his extraordinary career.
September 16, 1997 vs. Detroit Tigers
McGwire smashed his 54th home run of the season, sending a pitch deep into the left-field bleachers at Comerica Park. A powerful swing lifted the Oakland Athletics (A’s) to a 9-6 victory, pushing his home run count to an impressive pace for the season.
May 8, 1996 vs. Boston Red Sox
Facing Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, McGwire launched a towering 473-foot blast over the Green Monster at Fenway Park. That monstrous home run helped the A’s to a decisive 9-3 victory and left fans marveling at his raw power in one of baseball’s most iconic parks.
July 25, 1998 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
In this game, a line-drive rocket off Chan Ho Park marked McGwire’s 44th home run of the season. The ball cleared the left-field stands at Dodger Stadium, adding another memorable homer to his 1998 campaign. McGwire’s team, the Cardinals, went on to win 6-4.
September 18, 1997 vs. Cleveland Indians
McGwire sent his 55th homer into the stands in a key late-season game, keeping Oakland’s slim playoff hopes alive. His game-tying blast in the 8th inning showed off his clutch hitting, but the Indians ultimately pulled out a 7-6 win.
August 5, 1999 vs. San Diego Padres
His 500th career home run was a milestone moment, as McGwire crushed a towering shot off Andy Ashby at Busch Stadium. The crowd erupted as Big Mac rounded the bases, cementing his place in baseball history. The Cardinals took a 10-3 victory that night.
September 8, 1998 vs. Chicago Cubs
McGwire made history by hitting his 62nd home run of the season, breaking Roger Maris’ single-season record. The ball sailed over the left-field fence, sending the St. Louis crowd into a frenzy. His iconic blast helped the Cardinals defeat the Cubs 6-3.
April 27, 1997 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Launching a staggering 486-foot home run at SkyDome against the Toronto Blue Jays, McGwire made history. This first-inning blast paved the way for a 7-1 win for his team, demonstrating his exceptional power and knack for delivering game-changing hits early in critical matchups.
August 23, 1999 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
McGwire belted a 472-foot home run off the Phillies’ Paul Byrd, his 57th of the season. The perfect moonshot in the 4th inning sent the ball right into the upper deck at Busch Stadium, playing a big part in the Cardinals’ 9-2 win and thrilling the St. Louis faithful.
July 30, 1987 vs. Cleveland Indians
As a rookie, McGwire launched his 33rd home run in an extra-innings game at Oakland Coliseum. The A’s secured a 5-4 victory with a walk-off homer in the 10th, highlighting his knack for game-changing power at the plate.
September 27, 1998 vs. Montreal Expos
During the last game of the regular season, McGwire hit his 70th home run, setting a new single-season record. The Cardinals’ 6-3 triumph over the Expos was punctuated by his massive home run to left, energizing the fans and securing his spot in the record books.
April 5, 1998 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
On Opening Day, McGwire launched a grand slam to jumpstart his record-setting season. His first homer of the year came off Ramon Martinez and helped the Cardinals to a 6-0 win. Fans were left excited for the incredible season that awaited.
May 25, 1997 vs. Baltimore Orioles
In a tightly contested game, McGwire belted a 3-run home run in the 8th inning, putting the A’s ahead 6-5. Oakland’s thrilling back-and-forth game was decided by his clutch homer off Mike Mussina, securing a significant win for the team.
August 9, 1999 vs. New York Mets
McGwire’s 60th homer of the season came off Rick Reed at Shea Stadium. In the 3rd inning, his powerful blast paved the way for the Cardinals’ 10-6 win, shocking Mets fans and adding to his unforgettable 1999 season
October 3, 2001 vs. Houston Astros
In one of his final career home runs, McGwire belted his 583rd off Wade Miller. His 6th-inning shot in Houston helped the Cardinals to a 9-2 victory and provided a fitting conclusion to one of the most prolific power-hitting careers in baseball history.
May 18, 1998 vs. Milwaukee Brewers
McGwire’s 23rd home run of 1998 broke a 1-1 tie in the 7th inning, thrilling the St. Louis crowd. A towering shot in the 4th inning launched the ball into the upper deck at Busch Stadium, helping secure the Cardinals’ 9-2 win and electrifying the St. Louis crowd.
15 Essential McGwire Home Run Moments