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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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 A SHOT FOR THE OFFENSE 
4

McGwire Back in Baseball, as Cardinals Hitting Coach

La Russa brings former star aboard, says steroids questions fair game

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(AP) – Mark McGwire is back in baseball, hired by old pal Tony La Russa to be the St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach. La Russa managed McGwire with the Oakland Athletics, then with St. Louis. McGwire was not at today's news conference, but La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak said there will be no effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids—though McGwire, 46, notably refused to answer such questions before Congress in 2005.

"Mark is passionate about the game, passionate about the Cardinals," chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. "Tony thinks he'll be a great coach, and I think he's got a lot to offer." Echoed La Russa: "I'm a big fan of his. He's back in uniform and, hopefully, people will see his greatness. But the No. 1 reason he's here is to coach our hitters."

Tony La Russa speaks during today's news conference in St. Louis.
Tony La Russa speaks during today's news conference in St. Louis.   (AP Photo)
Mark McGwire testifies on Capitol Hill in this 2005 photo.
Mark McGwire testifies on Capitol Hill in this 2005 photo.   (AP Photo)
St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, left, gives first baseman, Mark McGwire a hug after a 1997 game.
St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, left, gives first baseman, Mark McGwire a hug after a 1997 game.   (AP Photo)
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4 comments
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COxSW
Oct 26, 09 8:00 PM CDT
steroids or no steroids, the guy knows baseball. steroids have nothing to do with fundamentals. He'll probably turn out to be a good addition to the Cards. Reply
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RobN
Oct 26, 09 8:58 PM CDT
He was above average before the steroids. You wouldn't even know his name at this point absent them. This is a fairly transparent attempt to get everybody to forget his appalling performance before Congress and get him into the Hall of Fame.
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AldrichJC
Oct 26, 09 10:20 PM CDT
The Cardinals are a class organization and stand by their players, even if they make mistakes along the way. Not being a bandwagon jumper, I found it ironic that a congressional hearing would be put together to investigate ethics into anyone before they successfully look at their own dirty laundry. The other thing to remember, regardless what anyone thinks of McGwire is that nothing has ever been proven. Ever. Taking steroids without a doctor's permission is illegal. If they thought they had a case, then they should have followed due process, arrest him and give him his day in court. Evidently, they didn't even have enough for that. I wish him nothing but the best of luck. Reply
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+2
CarolC
Oct 27, 09 2:34 AM CDT
I'm glad to see McGwire back in Major League Baseball. Pete Rose should be managing there, as well. Reply
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+1
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