Roger Maris 1961 - 61st HR w/Rizzuto's audio & WPIX video--1st time!

From 10/1/1961 and for the 1st time: Phil Rizzuto's iconic radio call of Roger Maris' 61st homer paired with the original WPIX-TV video (instead of with the usual old newsreel). We removed the audio of Red Barber's so-so call and put in the best call of them all. Enjoy this rarity. Produced by Brad Abrell.

[@davidahlstrom7533]

An older acquaintance of mine played outfield alongside Roger in the Cleveland Indians sytem in the 1950s. He said that Roger was a real gentleman and made all his teammates better with his humble, workmanship ways of playing the game and training for it. I think Billy Crystal caught this well in his film 61. I wonder a bit if Mickey Mantle could have stayed healthy and thus played a few more years into his early 40s, in the 1970s, and productively, if Roger had been his teammate all throughout the 1950s also. I was at Yankee Stadium for Old timer's day in 1984 when Roger made one of his first returns to Yankee Stadium since his playing days. It was an emotional time (Roger would pass away in December of 1985 from cancer). He was a great player, a great Yankee (and Cardinal -- 2 World Series) and a true gentleman.

[@davidahlstrom7533]

Actually it was in 1978 when Roger returned for the first time to Yankee Stadium. I was there for that opening day, and he helped hoist the 1977 championship flag. Later, in 1984, the Yankees retired his number 9 and dedicated a plaque to him on that day in the monument area of old Yankees stadium. Some great days. I think there is a youtube video describing Roger's return visits to Yankee Stadium and some nice interviews with his family.

[@rebeccapardue8438]

My hero Roger Maris. He deserves to be in the MLB Hall of Fame. Rest in Peace Roger ⚾️ Mike Pardue

[@bobgreen1236]

The TRUE single season home run king

[@AAli220]

2nd place now

[@Evan-hs4vd]

@@AAli220 Tied for first right now. Likely to become second place in the next few days/by the seasons end.

[@Mateo.7777]

He is 2nd.

[@gljm]

Until Aaron Judge. October 4, 2022

[@rebeccapardue8438]

Mickey Mantle himself said Roger Maris was one of the best all around baseball players he ever saw. Rest in Peace Roger and Mickey. ⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️ Mike Pardue

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

That was pretty complimentary, coming from The Mick. I don't mean Mantle was the type to put down anybody, but from being such a great player, that is a huge compliment. Not to mention, I think Mantle was a very humble guy, just a kid from Oklahoma that happened to have great talent.

[@1thepner]

What a class act. Roger Maris.

[@tommcconville4270]

And NO ONE, except for Mickey Mantle, deserved to get 61 home runs more than Roger Maris. No one worked as hard either. The poor guy was losing his hair from the stress going for this record. And he did it! Next to Babe Ruth, Roger was the Yankees finest right fielder. The HOF Veterans Committee should do the right thing and induct Roger Maris into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It's time. Because today's baseball writers will never induct him.

[@tommcconville4270]

PS, I watched Roger all year in1961 on Pix11 and saw him get the record!

[@1thepner]

@@tommcconville4270 I'd give 10 thumbs up if I could.

[@Charles-zw6ze]

I remember this like it was yesterday. Sitting in my living room in NYC watching it on our old tv

[@sambeharry584]

I get goosebumps hearing The Scooter call this play

[@LUKESTRONG4LIFE]

An amazing feat and to me, Maris is still the regular season home-run champ. The best part is the curtain call and watching fellow Yankees players push Maris out. If that happened today, it would have been a 10-minute curtain call and deservedly so. Thanks for sharing this historic piece.

[@GreekboyyD]

Judge only 2 back now.

[@robertkunigonis79]

then was BASEBALL....NOT this BS corp ball of now 🤮 i watched that live, Red Barber was on tv

[@kevlarmouse939]

@@GreekboyyD tied now

[@GreekboyyD]

@@kevlarmouse939 Can't believe that fan dropped the ball. 😂

[@Celluloidwatcher]

The BEST CALL of this Maris 61 HR event!!! 1961 saw a torrid home run race between Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle, who hit 54 homers that season. And, ironically, Maris received angry letters, including, yes, a death threat or more. But he came through, as did the Yankees, winning another AL pennant, and defeating Frank Robinson, Ted Kluzewski and the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.

[@Dimeropepe]

Although Roger Maris' 61st home run was the highlight of the contest, many had forgotten that the winning Yankees' pitcher of the game was the late Bill Stafford and not Whitey Ford, who had a monster year at the time winning 25 games. Good for Roger Maris and Rest in Peace. It's truly a pity that the lousy New York sports papers mistreated him; and it wasn't until they realized (too late as usual) that Maris was a true giant.

[@tommcconville4270]

That's a great tribute to Bill Stafford, he was an excellent pitcher for the Yankees. Don't have the stats in front of me, but Bill, Whitey Ford and Ralph Terry probably contributed something like 65 wins for the Yankees in 1961.

[@Dimeropepe]

@@tommcconville4270 Thank you. Also, I forgot to write that it wasn't exactly a runaway race for the Yankees because the Detroit Tigers, who finished second that year, won 101 games. There was no extra play-offs system in place until the late 1960s when they (MLB) split the divisions into East and West.

[@michaelleroy9281]

When he was traded to the Cardinals for 1967 I always wondered if he was glad to get out of New York

[@Dimeropepe]

@@michaelleroy9281 Of course, he was. I should know because I from New York and a Yankees' fan, but I know that the local sports media in the 1960s all the way up to the 80s, were always rooting for the Mets. And what happened in the 1961, the local sports media couldn't get over the fact the first time, New York City only had one Major League club from 1958-1961 (both the Giants & Dodgers departed to California after 1957). The Mets didn't hit the scene until 1962.

[@davidr5961]

My dad had told me that, he was actually booed, at home after hitting homers by some fans during the year, since everyone wanted mickey to break the record, which I always found amazing

[@Cjga1114]

Way back there holy cow he did it!!!

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

The REAL home run record. Screw the others.

[@evilsWa]

Which ironically is exactly what they were saying about Babe Ruth 60 homeruns at the exact moment that this was hit hence the * and the controversy that followed. Meaning? You are not at all any sort of rebel or unique by claiming you only recognize one record. It’s been the way that meathead spoiled brats have always dealt with the fact that they don’t like something. My guess is in 1961 you would’ve been on the Babe Ruth record is the only one that counts because he did it in X amount of games bandwagon. So sorry if I’m unimpressed now…

[@andante005]

Side note.......My Father was the one in right field gazing upward at Roger's shot......... and after the game, they went over to congratulate Roger Maris, and to give him a hard time, for NOT hitting it off the famous Facade at Yankee Stadium.......because if it bounced off that, and onto the field, my Father would have been $5,000.00 richer !!! Beyond that, my Father and his teammates in Boston said that Tracy Stallard, the pitcher was one very fierce competitor.........and in NO way would ever serve one up to Roger Maris....EVER. The players in Boston and NYC knew how merciless the press was/is there.......would not suffer a served up pitch, and were aware of all that Roger Maris went through that whole year........when all of NYC was rooting for Mantle to break the record. Belated Congrats to Roger Maris, his family, etc............incredible accomplishment considering all he went through.

[@trapezemusic]

Barry who? Mark who? Maris still holds the major league single season HR record!

[@waynej2608]

Yep, f*** those guys, Maris did it, without any foreign substances! Number 9!

[@scottmoyer1357]

That season for me included all evening and weekend games and every single game throughout that summer and into the Fall of 1961.

[@dobermanpac1064]

This was a great time for Baseball and the Fans. Roger was a classy guy!

[@davidtauber7310]

Love to hear Phil call it. Thanks for putting this up!!!!!!!!

[@clydeb7713]

Not in the hall of fame. A travesty! MVP, alltime single season non- steroid home run king. Four time all star, golden glove winner. Plus a humble hard working ball player. Did he stand and admire the HR? Hell no!

[@samuelmoulds1016]

Clyde Barrow yeah, and MARIS was a TWO TIME MVP!!!!!

[@TheBatugan77]

@@samuelmoulds1016 And a three time World Champion.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Exactly, just meat and potatoes. The "old fashioned" way.

[@edwardanthony7283]

His bat is and he didn't play long enough and was only 34 & was injury riddled for a few years when he retired in 1968.

[@clydeb7713]

@@edwardanthony7283 Didn't play long enough? Koufax only played 12yrs, played with a very damaged elbow and retired when he was 31.

[@ronnie237]

Today, 60 years ago. I got to see him hit 2 home runs in person that year, his 7th and his 33rd.

[@Guiltless765]

How Maris is not in the hall of fame is beyond me.Disgusting!

[@monkeeman1966]

This call is on the Yankee Stadium 50th anniversary record and flexi-disc record from the yearbook. I have the vinyl record and may have the flexi-disc. Great call by Phil!

[@bills1338]

OUTSTANDING JOB. The Red Barber call was understated, as he tended to let the moment speak for itself. But to marry the Rizzuto call, which was perfect for radio, and the actual WPIX telecast is a special treat to be cherished. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Exactly, just the difference between radio and television broadcasting.

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

I never even knew until a few years ago, seeing it on a KZbin video that Barber made the TV call. I always thought Phil happened to be calling the game on TV that night.

[@moboutmen]

Good to hear The Scooter call this with the video.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

The TRUE major league home run record. Screw the cheaters. This is it. And what about the great Phil Rizzuto? Holy Cow!!!!

[@gangass100]

Aren't you forgetting Henry Aaron?

[@waynej2608]

Love Rizzuto. Although this great moment is before my time, I grew up watching WPIX, Ch11, in NY. The play- by-play was by Phil 'Scooter' Rizzuto, Frank Messer and Bill White. The best!

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

@@gangass100 You should watch the video, it was about Maris breaking the Ruth season record.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

@@gangass100 Sorry - I of course meant the season home run record. Aaron holds the (true)all-time record.

[@BroMark1611]

Great stuff. I was 11 years old and remember it like yesterday. It was all we talked about in Little League until it happened. Mantle and Maris. It was like the world exploded when he did this.

[@negtype13]

Without doubt, the MOST humble man to achieve one of the the most EGOTISTICAL records in the history of sports ever!!!!! And let me tell you...there's a PURE reason for that! The way this man kept his composure/head up through the team, the press/stress AND the fans... NONE of us even have close to a fuckin" clue! God bless you Rog! You are the EPITOME of what the underdog, and even more, TRUE class is ALL about!!!!

[@jednatkin9959]

Bronx boy here, a big Yankee fan, I remember this (and Rizzuto's call!). Yesterday Aaron Judge hit #60. Personally I hope he goes cold for the rest of the season.

[@mattcastro8340]

Welcome to the Library of Congress because of this, Mr Rizzuto

[@signjoey]

From Hibbing, Minn...no steroids, just perfection!

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

In last night's game against the Pirates, Sept 21st 2022, when the count went to 2-0 the fans were starting to boo. Then it was 3-0 and the boos got louder. Damn! I have been waiting all my life to see this moment. Let's get it over with quickly. I would LOVE to see #61 against Wacha!

[@epaddon]

While I'm glad that Barber's call exists from the standpoint of the archival record, this is superior viewing and listening because Rizzuto had the better and memorable call that day. Which just goes to show how sometimes all the hype and hot air about "professional announcers" and "baseball poets" doesn't always mean they'll give us the best calls of an historic event.

[@Cjga1114]

Yeah the best part was " there it goes way back there" holy cow he did it!!

[@birney163]

What am I missing ? It was Mel Allen and Rizzuto doing TV and Barber on radio correct?

[@kentexican5844]

What did you find out? Were Red Barber and Phil Rizzuto calling the same game for different media outlets?@@birney163

[@harrykargenian4887]

Even though Barber was one of the best all-time, he actually did a poor job calling Maris' 61st. Although Rizzutto was bascially a Yankee puppet with a microphone in front of him, he did do a very good job on this call.

[@waynej2608]

@@harrykargenian4887 'Puppet', seems a bit harsh. Phil was a great Yankees shortstop. MVP, all star, Hall of Famer, as a Yankee! And, he's also a Native New Yorker!! So, his enthusiasm, is not only colorful and contagious, but perfectly freaking understandable!! Wouldn't ya say.

[@josephdrogalisjr856]

The first baseball game I ever went to I was 6 years old. I saw him hit the ball then everyone stood up and I didn't see him till he touched 3rd base. This moment turned me into a baseball junkie till today I can watch 3 games a day with no problem.I do believe this is still the major league record the others were cheaters.RIP Roger Maris.

[@mistervacation23]

I got me one of those Phil Rizzuto head "holy cow" key chains

[@jimmeasel1985]

Hooooly Cow. He did it!!!

[@BILLBADASHAW2011]

No juice. Got that "BONDS".

[@writereducator]

Looks like Fonzie got the ball.

[@waynej2608]

Was the guy who got Maris' ball, part of the Jets or the Sharks?! 😎

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

He was Sal from Brooklyn. Got $5000 for the ball.

[@bkoopers]

I was there!

[@georgeyoung7632]

Thats still the record. 61. Cant count steroids Bonds Mcguire and Sosa

[@shermandropkin5786]

Had Mickey Mantle not got hurt,he would have at least equalled that feat. Would have been cool to have two 61 hr hitters back to back as teammates!

[@richhahn2443]

Having Mickey Mantle right behind Maris in batting order sure didn't hurt.

[@TheBatugan77]

Roger got ZERO intentional walks!

[@dorothysewing9997]

I miss hearing Scooter call for the Yankees.

[@jimmeasel1985]

Holy cow...look at them fight for that ball out there

[@willdrucker4291]

Nothing against the "Ol Redhead".....but I'd rather listen to the Scooter's call over Red Barber's any day....holyyy cowwww he did it!!!

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

Red Barber put me to sleep.

[@waynej2608]

Red who?

[@williamdunphy352]

@@waynej2608 Red Barber.

[@billjones424]

I remember watching this on tv when I was a kid. I gotta admit though I was going for Mickey in the home run race

[@TheBatugan77]

Shoot! I'm a Yankee fan! I'd root for BOTH of them!

[@billjones424]

@@TheBatugan77 When youre 9 years old u have your favorites but I get your point

[@wallyohrel9086]

I remember. I want mick.but it turn great ' 2 great ball player ⚾️❤⚾️❤⚾️

[@billjones424]

@@TheBatugan77 Iwas a 9 year old kid. The race was between Mickey and Rog as to who would break the record. Most were for Mickey who was already a legend.

[@samludu5916]

Think how understated the celebration was when Maris hit #61. Ruth's 60 was arguably the most coveted record in baseball.

[@_kt100_]

Holy cow!

[@allainangcao28]

I can’t unhear Robert De Niro after watching the movie…😂

[@5starryansl]

Here comes the Judge.

[@adaada6816]

mecchakakkoii!! super cool!!

[@michaelleroy9281]

Aaron Judge got number 61 on September 28, 2022

[@chiefleapinglizard4740]

Maris had 50 more chances and hit only 1 more hr.Babe has not been beaten.

[@TheBatugan77]

You have a chance to ShutTheFuckUp. Take it.

[@Atlantis1789]

except, by now, Aaron Here Comes The Judge tied Babe's record in fewer games, and is a great all around baseball player.

[@deserttrainguy3235]

Remove cheaters Bonds, Sosa and McGwire and we have Judge and Roger as the home run champs. While we’re at it, Aaron is the real lifetime champ.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Phil was the best.

[@Jman417]

Arron judge may beat it yet he will never beat love people still have for Roger Maris

[@lawrencerosenberg4116]

Louie Rosenberg

[@nowrestlingiq7317]

Aaron Judge…..

[@donalddagosta4027]

The yankees had one of the line ups Maris mantle the moose boyer berra Richardson tresh

[@johnnyg3603]

No moat

[@ken.matinale]

The comments are uniformly moronic. I've been doing more research on the 1961 home run race, plus I remember it and read about Maris. He was sullen and his own worst enemy. Even back then I thought he was a jerk. He had 50 home runs in 125 Yankee games and had to reach 60 in 155. (FYI; there was never an asterisk.) Both 1927 and 1961 Yankees played a tie in April. Maris fell short and the final two home runs were anti-climatic in games 159 and 163. I like Roger but he is not even close to being a Hall Famer. Forget about the steroid guys and try to be a little rational. Mantle and Norm Cash hit better in the AL in 1961 than Maris.

[@TheBatugan77]

You're not univerely moronic, Kenny. You're a singular shithead. You know jackshit. You spew horseshit. 🐎💩.

[@russboden5792]

PUTZ !

[@hlcepeda]

Did Mantle and Cash have to perform while receiving death threats?

[@garyrentschler6082]

Given the FACT that dimensions are NOT uniform in baseball, home run totals are a JOKE.

[@CrookedEyeSniper]

Ahh, a simpler time. Pure baseball. No investigations or congressional testimonies. No indictments or hgh clinics. Just baseball.

[@donalddagosta4027]

The yankees had one of the line ups Maris mantle the moose boyer berra Richardson tresh

[@michaelleroy9281]

6 players on that team hit 20 or more home runs

[@jameshoran8]

So ironic. The fellow announcing the home run is in the Hall of Fame, yet the one that hit it is not.

[@dookeland8]

As far as I’m concerned, Maris still Holds that record because he wasn’t on roids, just pure natural talent.

[@evilsWa]

Yawn. This is the problem with baseball all of its fans think that their opinion somehow holds weight in the record books. As if there’s a asterisk that says all of these people don’t consider him to be the record holder. Guess who gives two squirts of piss what you think about the records? That would be nobody. As if players back then didn’t use amphetamines to keep their energy up for the long-haul… Oh wait yes they have ever since the major leagues has been a thing. Miss me with your fake out rage.

[@dookeland8]

evilSWA - beyond pandora films who’s raging?

[@michaelcrockette8694]

there were a lot of people (mostly racist) who discredited Aaron’s 715 because it took him more ABs than Ruth. people who r disgruntled will always find something. the record is 73.

[@dookeland8]

@@michaelcrockette8694 the steroid free record is 61 so the real record is 61

[@rnise1961]

it still brings tears to my eyes listening to the scooter make the call. best moment in yankees history to me. 2nd would be the Chambliss call

[@DanielLDees]

Now that is the way a great player rounds the bases after hitting a dinger.

[@catsarereallycool]

The all-time home run hitter.

[@1189paris]

The real single season home run champ-Roger Maris!

[@WaltGekko]

STILL the American League home run leader.

[@Legendary-zh9hd]

nah he is like 4th now 7th overall

[@joedeangelis2972]

The way many of the fans are dressed. Coat and tie - Different world....

[@sidneyburch2457]

Still has the record in my opinion. The other guys cheated with steroids.

[@sananto6896]

Roger Maris was a phenom in athletics. He was a great athlete in basketball and track, and all-state halfback in football. Oklahoma University offered him a football scholarship.

[@jackkomisar458]

A sportswriter asked Mickey Mantle late in the season about the home run competition between himself and Maris. Mantle said "I hope Roger hits 60 home runs. And I hope I hit 61."

[@TheBatugan77]

Mick was a great guy. But he was a competitor. When the Yanks blew the 1960 Series, he was inconsolable. Despite winning the World Series five times prior.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Since they cracked down on steroids, how many hitters have hit 61 homers in a season?

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

And not a steroid in sight...

[@tomitstube]

"no steroids..." 1) but a watered down league with 2 extra teams. 2) and the 8 existing a.l. teams didn't have to give anyone up to the los angeles angels or washington senators who had to draw exclusively from the minor leagues, that's literally a 20% saturation of minor league talent into the majors... 3 ) the new york yankees were at full strength with two minor league teams added to the league. 4) maris would hit 13 home runs off the expansion angels and senators. 5) and the last 3 home runs were after 154 games, in which ruth had hit 60. don't get me wrong, i don't blame roger for anything, and would have cheered him just the same, but the facts show he had advantages that ruth did not.

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

Who said anything about Ruth?

[@tomitstube]

who's record did maris break? you know, in this video.

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

Well...yuh. I was referring to those who broke his record and every one of them who did was on the juice.

[@VandelayIndustries61]

nitpick here but when you say the existing AL teams "didn't have to give anyone up" off their MLB roster, that's not quite accurate, they could protect 18 of their MLB 25 as of Aug. 31 1960 and then 7 more off the 40-man roster. "Saves" weren't an official stat then but we now know retroactively that the Senators grabbed the 1960 AL saves leader John Klippstein from the Indians (he stunk for the Senators and gave up one of Maris' home runs but point is, the teams did not have to get their rosters exclusively from the minors). Other prominent pre-1961 existing MLB players who went to expansion teams included Tom Sturdivant, Dick Donovan, Bobby Shantz, Ned Garver, Eddie Yost, Gene Woodling, Dale Long, Ted Kluszewski, etc. ... the fun thing about that draft is to see how badly the Angels outperformed the Senators. They DID go into the minors for Dean Chance and Jim Fregosi, cornerstone players of the early Angels. The best the Senators did in that regard was Chuck Hinton.

[@philipfollety4981]

In commenting on the chase for 61 HRs, I know that Judge has received more than his share of intentional walks and that Maris was pitched to as Mantle batted behind him. I am glad that Judge is a great team leader and is a clean professional, so that any mark he achieves will be a great one considering his batting average and defensive play in the outfield. As an 11-year old fan, I watched Maris achieve his record on a B&W TV. What I didn’t realize at the time was the pressure he was subject to with a constant and unrelenting press presence by his locker for hours after games (The Yankee organization would not allow that today). He started losing his hair that season. He also received the vocal opposition of many fans who did not want to see the Babe’s record broken, and if it were to be broken the fans thought it should have been by Mantle - a seasoned Yankee, rather than this upstart from North Dakota. I also didn’t know that one of Maris’ HRs was rained out - he actually hit 62. Roger is a long-time hero of mine who was an all-around athlete at the plate and in right field. It was not a coincidence that he was on a championship Yankee team with 2 MVPs - and later, a championship Cardinal team. I wish Aaron Judge the best and he is the kind of person one would like to see break the record. I also would like to see Roger Maris receive his due - his bat is in the HOF and he should be, too.

[@davidr5961]

How about the fan, who ran out to home plate to greet and congratulate him; can you just imagine that happening today, with judge

[@jimnfl7134]

Who else is watching this as Aaron Judge is on 60 home runs for 2022?

[@davidr5961]

and Mickey watched this, while he was in the hospital.......

[@larrymiller8348]

Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer, Maris did it on hard work, talent, and dedication. The remainder...did it on steroids.

[@louiswoodardjr2038]

Way Back There, Holy Cow!! Epic Moment ⚾️⚾️🗽🇺🇸

[@moboutmen]

Like Paul McCartney's grandfather in "A Hard Days Night", Maris was "quite clean".

[@clarkthesharkshow9944]

Only 21,000 on hand to see it,...for Roger,....

[@ghyuty17]

Roger Maris, 1x league leader in runs, slugging%, total bases and home runs, 2x leader in rbi, 1x gold glove, 4x all-star, 2x mvp, and single season home run king from October 1st, 1961 to September 9, 1998.

[@russboden5792]

still the single season Home Run King...Roger Maris

[@ghyuty17]

@@russboden5792 73 > 61

[@russboden5792]

@@ghyuty17 steroids a fraud oh yeaH!

[@GD-rd6ig]

Notice Maris was passing first when the ball landed in the stands?

[@Atlantis1789]

in those days batters would run hard and fast until the homer was called, no watching or staring or show boating or bat flips

[@tommcconville4270]

There was nobody like the Scooter, he was the best. He had a broadcasting style that no one could duplicate. And his holy cows were just as good as Harry Carey's were!

[@curtmanners01]

Agreed ... on another site, I kinda defended Barber's low-key call on the principle that sometimes, a TV announcer has to let the scene tell the story (like Vin and Joe when Kirk Gibson hit his homer in the '88 Series), but Scooter's call really put you there!

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

You are correct.

[@lawrencetermo2982]

Even though he was such a great home run threat that year, with Mantle batting behind him, he was not intentionally walked once all year. Sti!l the greatest 1-2 punch in baseball history. M&M boys.

[@evilsWa]

That’s why they batted mantle behind him so he wouldn’t be intentionally walked who in their right mind would walk somebody to get to Mickey Mantle? This is not an impressive thing that you are talking about. This is literally the strategy of why he batted where he batted. I would guess that if you go and look at all of the batters that bat before the cleanup hitter, very few of them are intentionally walked.

[@johnherlihy4739]

I am a Red Sox fan and, frankly, I hate the YANKEES. But this is one of the greatest moments in baseball history! As an ardent baseball fan, this is a precious moment! I hope that Aaron Judge eclipses Roger Maris record in 2022! I am old enough to remember the battle of Mantle and Maris. People revered Mantle and disliked Maris. It is too bad! Maris went to St. Louis and helped beat the Yankees in 1964.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

Underrated Roger AND Phil. 2 classics.

[@sce2aux464]

Barry Pepper was perfectly cast.

[@davidr5961]

Phil was the best. and then fifteen years later, he called Chambliss' homer against the Royals that won the pennant,

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

He really had a beautiful swing.

[@michaelleroy9281]

He had to do it on the last day of the season

[@njhollywood]

Holy Cow!!!

[@richardburkard9839]

Which NYC radio station carried Rizzuto's call that day?

[@davidahlstrom7533]

I think in 1961 it would have been WCBS in New York.

[@williamdunphy352]

@@davidahlstrom7533 In 1961 it was PIX 11 (WPIX) on the television side, and WCBS 880 on the radio side.

[@notbraindead7298]

@@williamdunphy352 It's amazing that you would know that.

[@scottmorissey8915]

What a great accomplishment...And what an amazing team that 1961 teams was: Maris, 61 home runs Mantle, 54 (In only 153 GP, imagine if he'd played in just seven more games!) Blanchard, 21 (In only 243 ABs!) Howard, .348 + 21 HR (In only 129 GP, didn't qualify for the BA, sadly) Pitching, too! Ford, 25 wins, Terry 16 of his own (Despite only winning two contests prior to June 7th). Stafford wins 14 + 2.68 ERA despite starting the season in the bullpen. Coates, Sheldon and Dailey (via a trade to KC) are excellent swingmen. Relievers Arroyo (15 wins, 29 saves), Reniff (2-0, 2.58 ERA), Clevenger (Struggled with the Yankees, but had a 2-1 record with a 1.69 ERA with the expansion LA Angeles). Three excellent starters, three excellent swingmen, three excellent relievers. Boyer, Richardson, Kubek and Skowron were excellent fielders. So was Mantle and Maris. Cerv, Blanchard and Lopez (Struggled in the regular season, awesome in the World Series) were three terrific reserves.

[@duanedorman6134]

It still amazes me how he was treated like dirt until he finally got the record. Then all of a sudden, he was royalty. Shame on New York and shame on the press for what they did to him.

[@ronsblahblah]

Love that booing at Yankee Stadium isn't a new thing! Gotta love New Yorkers

[@prbprb2]

Right fielder stationed initially at the warning track, seems like. Kind of funny

[@michaelleroy9281]

BTW , the Yankees won that game 1-0 if that matters