Bubba and baseballEditorialMark McGwire's stunning swing into baseball history broke through a late summer national malaise like a refreshing early autumn breeze. In a fitting conclusion to the Labor Day weekend and unofficial end of summer, McGwire topped Roger Maris' seasonal home run record with a solid line drive that disappeared over the eight-foot fence in the corner of left field at St. Louis' Busch Stadium.An ecstatic McGwire, who slammed the record-breaking homer in his hometown Cardinals' park, declared that he hit the magic number 62 "for the city." In fact, McGwire did it for the nation. Americans, disgusted with presidential travails as oppressive as the muggy August heat, were invigorated by the aspirations of the wholesome first baseman. His dogged pursuit of Maris' record tagged him a folk hero in the making. His unbridled joy and sportsmanship as he pegged the winning hit assured his right to that status. Many will remember McGwire's triumphant run around the bases, the heartfelt emotion of his teammates as they engulfed him, the hugs for Maris' adult children sitting in the stands, the salute to the cheering fans, the kisses blown to his family. Baseball mavens say McGwire's achievement could not have come at a better time for the lagging national sport. In truth, it could not have come at a better time for the nation. While we await independent counsel Kenneth Starr's X-rated report on the conduct of Bill Clinton, the president himself wallows in belated expressions of guilt and remorse, brought on, in part, by the stinging rebuke of his colleague, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.). Americans, responding to Lieberman's unflinching appraisal of presidential indiscretion and dishonesty, are verbalizing deep feelings of betrayal and disappointment. Clinton has impugned not only his own character, but, as Lieberman suggested, that of the nation as well. As the long, hot summer wanes, we can reflect on Lieberman's thoughtful homily on the diminished moral authority of our national leader, and our nation, and savor the simple pleasure of watching a new American hero hit a leather ball 341 feet and break a home-run record. 
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