62; MCGWIRE SURPASSES MARIS TO SET RECORD.

Byline: I.J. Rosenberg Cox News Service

On a dreamy night in a steamy baseball city, the sport whose tradition is built largely on numbers introduced perhaps its grandest Tuesday: No. 62.

Soak it up, America: The mighty McGwire has gone deep one more time.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire ripped a fastball over the left-field fence at Busch Stadium and became the single-season home-run leader, breaking Roger Maris' 37-year-old record of 61 that most of the baseball world thought would never be touched.

The homer came off Chicago Cubs right-hander Steve Trachsel in the fourth inning. It was measured at 341 feet, McGwire's shortest of the season.

The home run and McGwire's pursuit of the record will long be remembered. The excitement captured the nation and provided a rebirth for the sport.

The ball landed in an area underneath the stands and never made it into the seats. It was quickly picked up by a Cardinals groundskeeper and brought to McGwire.

The homer touched off a wild celebration at Busch Stadium. McGwire pointed to the crowd and hugged his son, Matt; his teammates; and members of the Maris family.

``I tell you what, I was so shocked because I didn't think the ball had enough to get out,'' McGwire said. ``It's an absolutely incredible feeling. I can honestly say I did it.''

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Photo: (1--2--Color) Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals watches homer No. 62 sail over the left-field fence in Tuesday's game vs. the Chicago Cubs.

Amy Sancetta/Associated Press