I was going to wait a week or so on this edition of Coach Hughes' Corner, but after the information released today, I wanted to dive into it head on.
Let me first say this, I do not condone, at any time or for any reasons, the misuse of any prescription drugs or the use of any of the other harmful drugs.
Mark McGwire admitted today that he used Steroids during the 1990's, including 1998, when he broke Roger Maris' homerun record. This comes hours before he will talk with Bob Costas on the matter. He was one of my favorite Cardinals during the 90's. I even have his Rookie card when he came up with the A's(the one with him wearing the Team USA uniform). To me, he was right behind Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee as my favorites for that time. I can remember where I was at the day he broke Maris' record. 9/8/98 we played Hurley at Wheaton in a fall baseball game. I was 3-4 with two homeruns, I then went over to a friends house and watched him do it. It was an important part of Cardinal baseball at that time. Even an important time for baseball. Baseball was slowly coming back from the strike just a few years before, and McGwire and Sammy Sosa battles for the record books that summer to help put baseball back on the map.
McGwire was one of my hero's. How do I feel now? Well, to be honest. I don't care. He was still a good hitter, and yes, maybe some of those homeruns would have been doubles or outs. To really be honest with you, all I care about is now and the future for Mark McGwire. Can he help the Cardinals as a hitting coach? To me, that is all that is important to me at this time. No one seems to remember Babe Ruth for drinking or womanizing or Mickey Mantle for the same things. They remember them as great ball players. (go back to my first statement about not condoning this, this also applies to what the Babe and Mantle did.)
However, I don't think he should be in the Hall of Fame. He is close to the Hall based on his stats, but now, how honest are those stats. I also think the record books could be changed due to this admission, but what about Barry Bonds. This is a tough subject and I am glad it is not me that has to make the decisions.
On a different note, who else is ready for this weather to be out of here? I can't tell you how glad I am to see it in the low 30's today. I am ready for the smell of spring. (which is freshly cut grass, dirt, pine tar, dirty cleats, and sunflower seeds, just in case you did not know what that smell smells like.) Less than 6 weeks before MLB spring training.
Oh by the way, the Cardinals signed Matt Holliday. I guess that will work(remember my christmas wish from the last Corner)
I will also be adding different quotes to the top of the blog from time to time. I thought the one I added today fit perfect. If you have a favorite one or like one I put up, let me know.
Again, I am glad Spring is almost here, and I almost forgot. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Coach Hughes
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