Mark McGwire talks about new job in L.A., explaining his past to his children, Hall of Fame possibility
Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire joined the show to talk about his new job.
Dan asked how important returning home to Southern California was to him.“Family is everything to me,” McGwire said. “It means a lot.”
McGwire said that he got a call from Cardinals GM John Mozeliak to talk about contract. And Mozeliak told him that the Dodgers reached out to inquire about McGwire. McGwire said he is thrilled to be at home and spend more time with his kids.
Dan asked McGwire how a home run hitter can understand being a hitting coach for non-home run hitters.
“I was born to be a home run hitter,” McGwire said. “But hitting is hitting.”
McGwire said when he was injured relatively early in his career, he got to sit and watch and think about hitting. That’s when he learned to be a more complete hitter.
Dan asked McGwire about his conversation with his two boys about his career. “Some time this summer we sat them down and told them was Dad was about,” McGwire said. “Everybody makes mistaks. Everyone screws up. The big guys are the ones who can confront it.”
If I never had injuries I don’t think I’d ever thought of doing what I did,” McGwire said. “I didn’t need to do anything for any more strength. I was always a home run hitter. … I’m OK with it. I know I’ve become a better person because of it.”
Dan asked McGwire if what he did with PEDs ate away at him when he was playing. “Back in those days you never had to think about it like that,” McGwire said. He said they didnt’ have the same guidelines when they were playing.
“No, not by the guidelines they have now,” McGwire said. “I’ll never fight it. I totally respect the Hall of Fame.”