I wish that every player could feel what I've felt in visiting ballparks. The receptions I've received, it's blown me away. It's absolutely remarkable.

As a rookie in 1987 he hit 33 homers before the All-Star break and was a unanimous choice for AL Rookie of the Year after finishing with 49 homers 118 RBI and a. 231 and. Louis to forgo free agency and sign a contract with the Cardinals in 2000.

Barry Bonds now holds the record after hitting 73 home runs during the 2001 season. In 1987 he broke the single-season home run record for rookies with 49. In 1998 McGwire and Sammy Sosa achieved national fame for their home run-hitting prowess in pursuit of Roger Maris' single season home run record; McGwire broke the record and hit 70 home runs that year.