27. “Big Mac” Mark McGwire
Some nicknames have unique stories, others are sentimental, and some are just simple and to the point. Former Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire falls into the latter category.
The man that baseball fans and sports commentators passionately referred to as “Big Mac” had one of the most unique career arcs in MLB history.
He entered the league in 1987 and immediately developed a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in baseball. McGwire was named to the American League All-Star team and earned Rookie of the Year honors after leading the league with 49 home runs, an MLB rookie record. He picked up a World Series title two years later, when Oakland swept the San Francisco Giants.
Despite making six straight All-Star Game’s to start his career, though, McGwire’s popularity would not reach its height until he was traded to St. Louis in 1997.
He finished 1997 with 58 total home runs, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling seasons that baseball had ever seen.
In 1998, McGwire joined Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa on a wild race to break Roger Marris’ record of 61 home runs in a single season. Both players would surpass Marris’ mark from the 1961 season, and McGwire would finish on top with an unprecedented 70 home runs on the year.
Unfortunately, his greatest achievements would be tarnished by scandal. In 2010, McGwire confirmed widespread rumors that he had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his playing career.
Since the admission, though, McGwire has experienced a successful coaching career. He returned to St. Louis as the team’s hitting coach before the 2010 season, and the Cardinals would win the World Series in his second year back with the organization. He has held the same position with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2013.
Next: 26. Dizzy Dean