Wednesday, September 9, 1998

McGwire played
in opener at
Rainbow Stadium

A sellout crowd of 4,312 watched University of Southern California first baseman Mark McGwire play his first game at Rainbow Stadium.

However, the major leagues' all-time single-season home run leader wasn't the main attraction, although he made his presence felt.

USC was the opponent the night (Feb. 17, 1984) the University of Hawaii unveiled its new stadium.

McGwire, a junior, was 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in the Trojans' 5-3 victory.

In a doubleheader the next night, he was a combined 0-for-6, then knocked in a run with a single in five at-bats in the series finale.

Later that season (May 7), he homered off UH right-hander Bob Siegel in the first inning at Rod Dedeaux Field to start a 13-2 USC romp.