Roger Eugene Maris (September 10, 1934 – December 14, 1985) was an American professional baseball right fielder. He is best known for setting a new Major League Baseball (MLB) single-season home run record with 61 home runs in 1961; the record remained unbroken until 1998.
Maris played in the minor leagues from 1953 to 1956, and in the major leagues from 1957 to 1968. He reached the major leagues in 1957 as a player for the Cleveland Indians. He was traded to the Kansas City Athletics during the 1958 season, and to the New York Yankees after the 1959 season. Maris finished his playing career as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967 and 1968. Maris was an American League (AL) All-Star from 1959 through 1962,[a] an AL Most Valuable Player in 1960 and 1961, and an AL Gold Glove Award winner in 1960. Maris appeared in seven World Series; he played for Yankees teams that won the World Series in 1961 and 1962 and for a Cardinals team that won the World Series in 1967.
3 Responses
The back of this card is in such good shape. 61 in 61. Crazy. Like to beat Ruth’s record. The pressure Maris must have been under. Wow.
I remember seeing this card for the first time…you brought it to school and I was like…mind blown.
Cool idea for a card.
I vaguely remember bringing the Topps to school around grade 6 or so. I imagine there was some discussion with parents about whether it was a good idea to do this. Cards must have been sleeved and in a binder. I don’t remember anyone “handling” them or anything. Aside from the photo taking for the site they haven’t left the binder in over 30 years.