Norvell Emerson: “whether you were at the game or enjoying the moment elsewhere with family and friends, on the evening of Tuesday…”

“whether you were at the game or enjoying the moment elsewhere with family and friends, on the evening of Tuesday, September 8, 1998, America witnessed a milestone. As my hometown newspaper, the Southeast Missourian printed Wednesday morning, ``In a nation that demands bigger, more, better, faster, Mark David McGwire is now a name--and an event--to be remembered.'' But there is something even more memorable about Tuesday night. More memorable than Mark McGwire hugging his son, Matt, as he crossed home base. More memorable than Mark McGwire taking time to share his accomplishment with the Chicago Cubs own Sammy Sosa; and yes, even more memorable than the touching moments that Mark McGwire shared with Roger Maris' family. Sure, hitting number 62 was great. And there isn't any Little Leaguer I know who probably didn't drift off to sleep that night thinking about what it would be like to be the ``King of Swing.'' But what truly touched me about Tuesday night was the way the entire country came together in the last days and weeks leading up to this very special event. When Mark MGwire belted number 62 into the record books, he put a special and indelible mark on history that will remain forever. Tuesday night, Missouri--the Heartland of America and my home--became the hallmark that represents what can be accomplished with dedication, perseverance, hard work and a little help from the Man upstairs.”