Knicks' Lee has good memories of McGwire
Knicks center David Lee, who grew up an avid baseball fan in St. Louis, was in the stands when Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run in 1998. Credit: AP
OKLAHOMA CITY - David Lee was a 15-year-old fan in the crowd at Busch Stadium when Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run in 1998. The Knicks' center, an avid baseball fan who grew up in St. Louis, has good memories of being caught up in the home run battle between McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
"You were just mesmerized by what incredible athletes they were, hitting the long ball," Lee said before last night's game here - in Mickey Mantle's home state - against the Thunder. "I don't think you thought about too much else."
Still, McGwire's admission Monday that he did use steroids that season certainly isn't a shocking revelation. "He was so strong and then if you see recent pictures, he's lost a lot of muscle mass," Lee said. "But, you know, I think he probably feels good for [admitting] that."
Lee said he went to at least five Cardinals games to see McGwire after he hit No. 50. He remains a Cardinals fan and says the steroid involvement doesn't taint the memories.
"The best thing about baseball is it's about history, and for me, it was going to the ballpark with family and getting to see stuff like that, something cool," Lee said. "So, no, it doesn't change it for me. I'm still a fan."
