Roger Maris

Roger Maris was a Major League outfielder who played more than half of his seasons, from 1960 to 1966 for the New York Yankees. In 1961, Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle raced to break Babe Ruth's long-standing single-season home run record; Maris broke the record with his 61st home run on the last game of the season. His record stood for 37 years, before being broken by Mark McGwire in 1998. Barry Bonds would later for the [[newho was best known for breaking the single season home run record held by Babe Ruth. His record was later broken by Mark McGwire, who hit 70 home runs in 1998.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: September 10, 1934
2. Died: December 14, 1985
3. Birthplace: Hibbing, Minnesota
4. New York Yankees Home Run Single Season Record holder
5. Two-time American League Most Valuable Player in 1960 and 1961, yet not in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Career

For 37 years, Maris held one of the most coveted records in baseball history, yet despite this feat, he has never been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. His winning of the Most Valuable Player award in 1960 and 1961 were certainly his two best years, since his lifetime totals are good, but not extraordinary. He had a lifetime .260 batting average, with 275 home runs, and 851 RBIs. In addition to the Yankees, Maris played for the Cleveland Indians, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Kansas City Athletics. In 2007, a film about his race for the record, entitled 61*, starred Barry Pepper as Maris.

Categories