McGwire Resurfaces as Batting Instructor

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 12, 2009 9:24 PM CDT
McGwire Resurfaces as Batting Instructor
In this March 17, 2005, file photo, Mark McGwire, formerly of the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals, testifies on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Mark McGwire speaks! Just not about steroids. The former home-run king granted a rare interview to the New York Times to talk about his reemergence in baseball—as a volunteer hitting instructor. “I’m such an easygoing guy,” he said in a brief reference to his steroids scandal. “I don’t need to sweep away any bitterness."

McGwire spent part of the winter helping four major-leaguers, including Matt Holliday of the A's. “I think all athletes have that God-given ability,” said McGwire, whose own swing was self-taught. “What goes behind it is the work ethic. It’s all about improving yourself throughout your career.” McGwire, 45, says he'll keep teaching provided it doesn't interfere with spending time with his two young sons. "Right now it's not about me."
(More Mark McGwire stories.)

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