McGwire back with Cardinals as hitting coach

Former St. Louis Cardinals star Mark McGwire is sworn in to testimony at the House of Representatives hearing on Government Reform in Washington, March 17, 2005.

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Tony La Russa sprang a surprise on Monday by naming controversial slugger Mark McGwire as his hitting coach after agreeing to return for a 15th year as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

McGwire, who belted a single season home run record of 70 in 1998, retired from the game in 2001 but has since had to fight suspicions of former use.

During his sensational long-ball campaign in 1998, a reporter spotted a jar of androstenedione in his locker. The steroids precursor was not barred in Major League Baseball at that time and McGwire admitted to its use.

"I don't know how many years I have left to manage and I wanted to take this opportunity to invite a guy who I think has a very special talent," La Russa told a news conference at Busch Stadium.

"Many others have watched Mark and know that he is indeed a talent. No one will work harder to help our players get the most out of their abilities."

McGwire, 44, who did not attend Monday's news conference, will embark on his first campaign as a major league coach.

He spent 16 seasons with the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals from 1986 to 2001 before retiring with 583 home runs.

DOUBT CAST

However his home run heroics were later cast into doubt by suspicions of use of performance-enhancing drugs and he failed to gain election to baseball's Hall of Fame in 2007 after appearing on fewer than 25 percent of the 545 ballots cast.

McGwire, who has never tested positive for steroids, refused under oath to answer questions about steroid use during a 2005 U.S. Congressional hearing on the subject.

La Russa, who has guided the Cardinals to a franchise record 1,232 wins since joining the team as its manager in 1996, has agreed to a one-year contract for 2010.

"Quite honestly my decision to return was for selfish reasons," the 65-year-old said. "Our ball club presents such a good situation from all aspects that I quickly came to the realization that I wanted to be back."

La Russa has led the Cardinals to eight division titles, two National League pennants and a 10th World Championship title in 2006.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by John Mehaffey)