Pro Player said it has surpassed more than $2M in
retail sales of Mark McGwire merchandise. McGwire photo-
realistic and caricature "62" shirts have generated more
than $1M in retail sales since Tuesday night's record-
breaking game. In addition to the two T-shirts, Pro Player
plans to produce a shirt after the season with McGwire's
final HR total. Pro Player said McGwire is the first player
in three years to top Ken Griffey Jr. as the company's
number one seller in player likeness sales (Pro Player).
BIG RED MACHINE: In Detroit, Becky Yerak writes that
the Cardinals appear to be the new "America's Team," as
"Mark McGwire fever [is] gripping the nation." MI retailers
"report brisk sales" of Cards merchandise in general, and
McGwire products in particular. Goods commemorating No. 62
are "due next week" at Detroit stores (DETROIT NEWS, 9/11).
ON THE WEB: Internet Ventures Inc., which hosts an
independent Web site devoted to McGwire at www.mcgwire.com,
reported that it had received upwards of 10,000 hits per day
since Saturday, with traffic peaking at approximately 25,000
hits during a 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday (IVI).
DOG DAYS OF SEPTEMBER? The Cards-Reds game at Cinergy
Field drew 50,971 last night, bringing to two-day series
total in Cincinnati to 102,940 (THE DAILY). Before last
night's game, McGwire met with Reds Owner Marge Schott and
her dog, Schottzie 02. Calling him "honey" and "sweetie,"
Schott "thanked McGwire for all he had done for baseball."
Schott then told McGwire, "Pet her. You've got to pet
Schottzie." McGwire petted the dog, causing hair from the
dog's back to come off. Schott: "It's good luck. Rub the
hair across your chest." McGwire was the first non-Reds
player to perform the "ritual," which Schott has players do
when they are in slumps (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/11).
