"You gotta be kidding me!" shouts one exuberant sportscaster after the other in this exciting recap of the year that Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa both eclipsed the age-old home-run record of 61 set by Roger Maris in 1961. Half an hour into this video, you can't help but notice that there simply aren't enough adjectives to describe the superlative achievements of these two baseball titans. Not even the cherub-like Bob Costas can relate just how incredible this year was for baseball and for the American people who cherish this sport. As political figureheads featured prominently in the news in 1998 for their sordid exploits, McGwire and Sosa produced a wonderful, spellbinding drama of their own that caught the heart and imagination of the entire nation. <P> This, however, is not just a documentary of hit after monstrous hit: intermingled throughout are touching interviews with the sons of Roger Maris, the teammates of both Sosa and McGwire, and an insightful moment with former Yankee Mickey Mantle. For those who have a love or even a passing interest in this sport, they will be moved to see what humble appreciation both players and managers have for the magical history for the game of baseball. This in itself puts into perspective what was achieved by these two heroes and ambassadors for our time, two men who remind you what sport and competition should be all about: the love of the game. <I>--Jeremy Storey</I>
Reader Reviews
The baseball season of 1998 turned out to be perhaps the most exciting and fun season ever. Two legendary sluggers, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire battled down to the last day of the season in the most historic chase ever-the elusive single season home run record of Roger Maris. McGwire got off to a fast start, having tallied 27 round-trippers by the end of May, while Sosa had only 13. But when the calendar turned to June, Sosa went on the greatest home run tear ever for a single month. He belted 20 long balls that month and set the stage for a dramatic back and forth battle for the rest of the season. This video contains thrilling Sosa and McGwire home runs, as well as testimonials from other major leaguers and sports columnists. It also shows Sosa and McGwire in their early days, from McGwire's rookie record 49 home runs to a noticeably thinner Sosa connecting off of Roger Clemens for his first career home run. The video also shows the great Maris-Ruth battle and the struggles Maris went through while chasing the Babe. Testimonials from the Maris family make this video enjoyable, too.
Perhaps the best part of the video is the relationship formed by McGwire and Sosa. These two sluggers genuinely liked and rooted for each other to succeed. There are several clips of joint press conferences shared by them, as well as Sosa running in from right field to congratulate McGwire after his record breaking 62nd home run. This video is a must for baseball fans and will bring excitement each time it is watched.
