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Big Mac was using special sauce

I look back at the home-run chase of 1998 between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and shake my head.

Man, we all were just fools going crazy for those two that summer.

Big Mac and Slammin' Sammy captured the country's attention and brought interest back to baseball after a labor dispute wiped out the World Series a few seasons before 1998.

I was a McGwire fan. I cheered every home run.

I remember working in the newsroom watching SportsCenter to see if Big Mac hit a blast -- or two -- that night.

Usually he did.

After his confession Monday for using steroids, now we know why.

What was startling wasn't the fact that he used performance-enhancing drugs; many suspected him of doing that. The amazing thing was his admission.

If you followed Big Mac you were aware he ducked the question in front of Congress. Now, as he tries to rebuild his image, the truth comes out.

It's a good start.

It's not enough to sway me to think he's now earned a right to go into the Hall of Fame.

It's not enough to turn me back into a McGwire fan.

Maybe by speaking out he'll pave the way for others to admit their same mistake.

That could be McGwire's new legacy.
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