McGwire finally fessed up on January 12, admitting to steroid use in 1998 when he broke the home run record. But according to him, he didn't need any drugs to hit the long ball. He added that he was "given a gift" to hit home runs. And he took steroids only for health purposes, and there was no way he'd use them for extra strength.
What came next sounded like part of a 12-point program. He called commissioner Bud Selig and manager Tony LaRussa to apologize. Then, as he told the AP, it was an emotional experience of telling family, friends and coaches. Because "I hid it from everybody." Uh, Mark, no you didn't. Not with arms that looked like tree trunks.
McGwire's decision to come clean was a result of his deciding to become hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, his last MLB team. Manager Tony LaRussa told ESPN he still felt positive about McGwire's taking on the job.
McGwire has been left behind three times in the votes for the Hall of Fame. Will his honesty help? Will the fans forgive him? Or maybe they already have.
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