Roger Maris, an American professional baseball player, is best remembered for his remarkable achievements on the field, particularly during his time with the New York Yankees. Born on September 10, 1934, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Maris grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, where he excelled in sports during his high school years. His talent on the baseball diamond caught the attention of scouts, leading to his signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1953.

Maris began his Major League Baseball career with the Cleveland Indians in 1957. After a brief stint with the team, he was traded to the Kansas City Athletics in 1958. It was with the Athletics that Maris began to show his potential as a power hitter, hitting 28 home runs in 1958. His performance caught the eye of the New York Yankees, who acquired him in a trade before the 1960 season.

Joining the Yankees marked a turning point in Maris's career. In 1960, he hit 39 home runs and drove in 112 runs, earning him the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. However, it was the following year that Maris would achieve baseball immortality. In 1961, he broke Babe Ruth's long-standing single-season home run record by hitting 61 home runs, a feat that stood for 37 years. This achievement earned him his second consecutive AL MVP award.

Maris's 1961 season was not without controversy. The pressure of chasing Ruth's record was immense, and Maris faced intense scrutiny from the media and fans. Despite the challenges, he remained focused and determined, ultimately surpassing the legendary record on October 1, 1961, in the final game of the season.

Beyond his record-breaking season, Maris was an integral part of the Yankees' success during the early 1960s. He helped lead the team to five consecutive World Series appearances from 1960 to 1964, winning championships in 1961 and 1962. Known for his strong arm and defensive skills, Maris was also a two-time Gold Glove Award winner.

In 1967, Maris was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to contribute to his team's success. He played a key role in the Cardinals' World Series victory in 1967, providing veteran leadership and solid performance on the field. Maris retired from baseball after the 1968 season, leaving behind a legacy defined by his record-breaking achievements and his role in one of baseball's most storied franchises.

Roger Maris passed away on December 14, 1985, at the age of 51.

⚾