Sports 101

Mark McGwire (St. Louis Cardinals), Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Mariners), and Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs) are all on track to break Roger Maris's 1961 record of 61 home runs in a single season. As of yesterday, McGwire leads the pack with 40. Griffey and Sosa aren't far behind with 39 and 35 home runs, respectively. Although these players are probably tired of the media hype, fans just can't get enough.

Q: How many homers will McGwire, Griffey, and Sosa hit this season if they keep up their current pace?

A: McGwire: 71

Griffey: 66

Sosa: 61

Q: What are some other terms for home runs?

A: A homer, dinger, long-ball, going downtown, four-bagger, and a tater.

Q: What is an inside-the-park home run?

A: When a batter hits a ball that stays on the field, and he is able to circle the bases without being tagged out. This is a rare play, and it usually happens when the ball is hit in the far corner of the field and the batter is a fast runner.

Q: What is a solo home run?

A: A home run with the bases empty.

Q: Who holds the lifetime home-run record?

A: Hank Aaron, with 755 home runs, followed by Babe Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), and Frank Robinson (586).

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