McGwire Named Sportsman of the Year

ST. LOUIS (SCN Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1997) - He electrified baseball fans everywhere with his relentless pursuit of Roger Maris' home run record and for that, Mark McGwire was named The Sporting News' 1997 Sportsaman of the Year.

McGwire's 58 bombs were the most since 1961 and the Athletic turned Cardinal joined Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 50+ homers in back-to-back seasons. McGwire was almost surprised to hear of his selection.

"You see it as a child growing up, a young adult, and you see some of the figures get labeled sportsman of the year, and to get honored that way - and I don't think that I have ever put myself in that category," he said.