This week, the College Baseball Hall of Fame announced its 2025 class. Among this year’s inductees was a name quite familiar to USC baseball fans: the legendary slugger Mark McGwire.
Per USC’s press release, “McGwire, who was named the National Player of the Year in 1984, was not only one of USC’s greatest hitters, but also had a stellar career on the mound during his three collegiate seasons at USC under legendary Head Coach Rod Dedeaux.
“At the plate, McGwire hit .334 in his 149 career games, compiling 54 home runs, 150 RBI, 135 runs scored and an 1.166 OPS. His 32 home runs in 1984 are still the single season record for USC, as are his 216 total bases from that season. McGwire’s 54 career homers and .718 career slugging percentage are both all-time career records at USC as well.
“In addition to playing first for the Trojans, McGwire spent two seasons on the mound at USC (1982-83), posting a 2.93 ERA in 83.0 career innings as both a reliever and starter. He struck out 57 batters, with two saves and a career record of 7-5.”
Of course, McGwire is best known for his historic MLB career, most notably his record-setting 70-home run season in 1998. However, due to his prominent role in MLB’s steroids scandal, he is not a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. While McGwire does not seem to have a path to Cooperstwon anytime soon, at least he will be able to add one hall of fame to his resume.