Ep 4. Long Gone Summer

In season 5 episode 4 of 30 for 30, titled "Long Gone Summer," viewers are taken on a journey back to the summer of 1998, which was a historic time for Major League Baseball. This was the summer that two of the game's biggest stars, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, went head-to-head in a race to break the record for the most home runs hit in a single season.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the summer of '98. It was a time when America was still recovering from the devastating O.J. Simpson trial and the nation was hungry for a hero to rally behind. Enter McGwire and Sosa, two charismatic players with larger-than-life personalities and an ability to hit the ball out of the park like nobody's business.

As the season progresses, we see how the two players upped their game, and tensions began to mount as they inched closer and closer to Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs in a season. McGwire, a towering behemoth of a man, had been on a hot streak for most of the season, while Sosa, a smaller and more agile player, was seen as the underdog. But as the two continued to hit home runs at a dizzying pace, it became clear that anything was possible.

The documentary goes into great detail about the challenges and pressures that the two players faced during this historic season. McGwire, in particular, was under more scrutiny than most, as he had been the subject of rumors about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this, both players remained focused on their goal and kept hitting home runs at an incredible rate.

As the season drew to a close, the whole country was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would come out on top. In the end, it was McGwire who emerged victorious, crushing his 62nd home run in front of a home crowd in St. Louis. Sosa, who had ended the season with an impressive 66 home runs, was left to wonder what could have been.

But as the dust settled on this historic season, questions began to emerge about its true legacy. Was it a triumph of sportsmanship and athleticism, or were there darker forces at play? The documentary delves deep into this issue, exploring the controversy surrounding the allegations of performance-enhancing drug use by both players.

Ultimately, "Long Gone Summer" is a fascinating look at one of the most memorable seasons in Major League Baseball history. It's a story of triumph and tragedy, of hope and disappointment, and of two players who captured the hearts of a nation with their incredible feats of athleticism. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or simply a lover of great sports stories, this episode is a must-see.