Yankeeography: Roger Maris

The life of Roger Maris after retiring from baseball, including his long-awaited return to Yankee Stadium and his battle with cancer.

[@markkrauklis8294]

Roger Maris; great ballplayer, great man!..............A CLASS ACT!!!.........Roger, you will NEVER be forgotten!!😍🤩🥰❤

[@drumsport]

Just read "Roger Maris: Baseball's Reluctant Hero". I shed tears throughout. A great human being. RIP Sir.

[@aa697]

For me and real baseball fans Roger Maris remains the all time single season homerun champion.

[@kdiamond3623]

I’m a grown ass man and have tears in my eyes watching that. Roger was a childhood hero of mine. He should have never been traded.

[@LordofDublin4]

No steroids, no HGH, no batting gloves, elbow pads, corked bats ! A little pine tar on the bat handle, a great swing, and "That ball is going, going, it is gone, Roger Maris!" Mel Allen, the great voice of the NEW YORK YANKEES

[@clydeb7713]

They used corked bats back then and Rog might have?

[@noelharris5488]

@@clydeb7713 Note the short sleeves

[@kevincerce5056]

61' Produced by Billy Crystal is my all time favorite movie!

[@RyanJones-lr2im]

Just watched for the first time yesterday, goosebumps

[@bobd1082]

My first major league game was in 1961 at Yankee stadium. I was 6 years old and still have vivid memories of how green the grass was. Roger hit a home run that day, but who knew then he would go on to hit 61. I batted left handed and threw right handed, so I was always Roger Maris in pick up games. Outstanding ball player and from everything I read outstanding human being as well. We need more like him.

[@TheNavyman53]

This was very touching and heart warming. I got to watch Roger and Mickey play when I was a boy. He really got a raw deal from the fans and the press. I'm glad that time heals all wounds and he decided to come back to Yankee Stadium in the last few years of his life. He was a good man.

[@RobertWPaine]

One of the worst times in my 71 years was the day I read the New York Daily News with the headline on the back page - Page 1 for Sports - “TRADED TO ANGELS”. Not “The Angels”, just “ANGELS”. The M&M Boys were my idols and heroes and always will be. RIP, No. 9; Maris and Mantle are together once again.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

Oh, that great summer of 1961. We stayed up late to catch the "sports" segment on the local news, and we watched in awe as Jim Gentile, Micky Mantle, and Roger Maris climbed that mountain. Gentile was injured and dropped out, but the M&M Boys played on and made it a summer that a youngster could never forget. What great times they were. My sincere thanks to these boyhood heroes. Godspeed to them both, and my thanks to the Maris Family for sharing such a special individual with a nation so devoted to his memory..

[@73Trident]

Ditto.

[@tigerking4858]

Never forget Roger Maris.

[@mpthorvonericksen]

Never. Forever 9

[@michaelterry4394]

@@mpthorvonericksen ABSOLUTELY. A CLASS ACT

[@Th33Vultur3]

I'm glad that in this case, time did indeed heal all wounds between Maris and Yankee fans and the team.

[@jrs689]

When Mickey says "I knew I'd cry." I lost it, too. :(... Thanks for posting.

[@RossLipter]

Same here. So sad.

[@x-ray3431]

He didn't say "I knew I'd cry" but it was touching no doubt.

[@BILLBADASHAW2011]

SO DID I. SO DID I !!!!!!!

[@agioni99]

@@x-ray3431 Pretty well did. After he starts crying he said, "I knew Id do that." Now go get a brain x-ray, X-Ray.

[@KCJohn62]

Roger worked for Armour meats in the off season here in KC when he was with the A's touting their products, he spent a weekend at Milgrams at 63rd & Prospect. I was a baseball kid in 3&2 at the time, maybe 10 or twelve. I was there the whole weekend haunting him, I'm sure I was a pain in the ass, Roger took it in stride and was super nice. Gave me a signed book about the Philadelphia/Kansas City A's, was affable and fun the whole time. I've been a fan ever since. Great man genuine and kind, things that really matter.

[@marchveris]

+KCJohn62 Man what a memory. Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm too young to know Maris but I saw the movie 61 and that movie must have portraited him pretty accurately then.

[@stripervince1]

+marchveris stick to baseball video games little boy.

[@Th33Vultur3]

Couldn't agree more. Roger didn't cheat. The only thing people had accused him was attempting to go after the record in 1961, but in the end, records are meant to be broken. Even if all of The Babe's records get broken, to baseball, he is still like a God for his contributions to the game just like Roger.

[@troyschartiger8912]

Roger Maris was one of baseball's greatest players but he is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame although he is still eligible. One of these days I will make sure Roger Maris will get his plaque to go along with the plaques of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose in Cooperstown.

[@tgtg4667]

He should have made it there many years ago for not only his "HONEST" record of 61 home runs in 1961, but for his two MVP;s in a row, and three World Series Victories. He was also one of the greatest fielders the Yankees ever had, with perhaps the best arm in both leagues at the time. Tony Kukec was so right in this statement about his arm in Yankeeography (Roger Maris).

[@Crackers2549]

Yes, agree 100%....! Totally deserving in every way, a great all around ball player and the single season home run KING...!

[@54GARYBOY]

Look Bill Mazeroski was borderline great (and his WS HR no doubt the push he needed) too but there was alot of grumbling when he got in. So put Maris in he deserves it and damn the grumblers! I think many of those old grumblers are dead anyway.

[@rebeccapardue8438]

@@tgtg4667 It's my understanding that he was the first player to hit 50 homers before the month of September. Yeah, Roger definitely made his mark. I told Bobby Richardson if it was up to me, every player on the 61 team would be in the Hall of Fame. He laughed and said, Appreciate it. Bobby left his mark on baseball too. Mike Pardue ⚾️

[@tgtg4667]

The only reason for that was The fact that The Sportswriters Hated Him because of His Shyness which They translated as "Surly". One was actually quoted as saying That He would Vote Bill (One Famous Home Run) Mazeroski, over Roger Maris in The Hall of Fame. That actually happened shortly after. Besides being a Great Ballplayer, Roger Maris was A Fine Human Being and Belongs in Cooperstown. He still holds The Record for Single Season Home Runs. Steroids and Cheating should not be counted.

[@SamAceRothstein]

It's atrocious the way he was treated, especially in 61'. It's heartbreaking what he had to go through, all the stress and everything, he received so much hate at the time. I'm glad George was able to work it out and bring him back to the stadium, it allowed Roger to see how revered he had become. Damn, I miss them both.

[@rickyb8636]

I saw Roger and Mickey play at Tiger Stadium on Sep 11, 1962. The Yanks won 8-7 on a 10th inning tape measure blast by Yogi Berra, over the centre field wall 440 ft away. It was my first ballgame at age 11. The memory of a lifetime.

[@DanielLDees]

I love Roger and wore #9 throughout the years in sports.

[@randysimmons9838]

Love yankee history...maris is there with the greats!

[@iGlock23]

Thanks for posting.....r.i.p. Roger

[@stockmom]

Thank you Yes for showing the two men I miss most ,my dad and Rog! You both are very much missed The Best baseball player I ever had the pleasure of knowing, You will always be number 1 Rog!

[@daryljay7057]

I was huddled with 3 other guys in the boy head in Jr high listening to a transistor radio. Maris still holds the record for me. No dope! No batting gloves! All Roger! All Man!

[@rebeccapardue8438]

My hero. #9 Roger Maris. ⚾️ Rest in Peace Roger and Mickey. Mike Pardue

[@raypowers8083]

I wore #9 in HS and on a semi pro independent club, softball teams, etc. and I admit I initially chose that for Nettles (and I played third). When I realized that Maris also wore 9 and watching the Yankees retire it for Roger, I was doubly proud to wear their number.

[@satxcxo]

What a great tribute to Roger Maris, I was watching on that black and white T.V. back in 1961, what a show it was that year. I thought he was the greatest. Billy Crystal make a movie about his ordeal. His family were most proud of him. I could see Roger is his sons. thanks for the posting.

[@Th33Vultur3]

Aaron Judge just passed Roger Maris with his 62nd home run tonight. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. RIP Roger!

[@joetaormina5350]

Roger Maris fucking rocks. Proud Yankee

[@Dr.MalcomsBrokenLeg]

Man, only 50k views. I remember when I was in Little League and Pony League being on our All Star teams. They asked each player who their favorite player was, I told them I had two. Roger Maris and Jackie Robinson. Cuz those two literally changed the game forever and the humanity of the game forever.

[@imlurking232]

I was 11 years old and got trampled in right field in 1961 trying to catch one of his home runs. Damn I'd give anything to relive that.

[@BILLBADASHAW2011]

61 WITH NO DRUGS. HE IS THE SINGLE SEASON HOME-RUN KING !!!!!!!!

[@thegamingkitchen8429]

Got this orioles fan in tears.

[@SuttonSantiniPaulo]

Damn, watching Mickey get choked up choked me up.

[@clydeb7713]

Mickey was great and very human. Alcohol killed him.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

Oh, you have that right!

[@73Trident]

Mickey and Roger were friends. If you have ever had friends like that it would make you choke up to. I have those kind of friends. The ones I've lost do the same thing to me.

[@altonwilliams7117]

Loved it!❤️⚾️

[@TheeVulture]

ROGER MARIS FOR HALL OF FAME!

[@jc6594]

Today Commemorates Roger Maris' 85th Birthday

[@atuuaolcom]

The baseball of my youth. I saw these games, many live. Also, Ebbetts Field and the Polo Grounds.

[@LordofDublin4]

"Thank you", cw5394 ! You have it 100% right. Until a Trout, or Bryce Harper, or someone of their talent and class comes along and hits "62" #9 Roger Maris will be the single season Home Run record holder. "Side point" ........ & seeing as you, and many fans of the game & baseballs rich history, I will mention that Mickey Mantle finished with "54" HR's in '61 and I rarely, if ever, here anyone mention/post that most of Mick's were hit over the deepest part of the park.L-center >right center.

[@NitroManXoX]

I grew up watching the Yankees and went to many White Sox Yankee games and Roger was the easiest guy to talk to. His records speak for itself. But yet he is kept out of the HOF because he didnt kiss butt. He is a hall of famer to real baseball fans and one of the most decent human beings you could have met. RIP Roger

[@stripervince1]

NitroManXoX being a nice guy won't get you into cooperstown. he just don't have great numbers. can't just put every player in there, it's fast becoming the hall of average players. his career batting average is 260. only 850 career rbis. he had one great year. sorry. I would vote no on him

[@mikeforte7585]

@@stripervince1 emotions aside. .ur exactly right....my point for years...Don Larson didn't make the HOF because he pitched the only perfect game in WS history..

[@mikedacus5434]

Often wonder what might have been had he not been attacked by the media.

[@timshull59]

Single season home run record holder!

[@54GARYBOY]

So sad how this great man never really got to see the appreciation he deserved until he was long gone. Still deserved as he is STILL the single season HR King to many. He should be in the Hall as justice and not allow the steroid junkies entrance as well. He was one my favorite player on the Cardinals at the end-Sadly at his happiest when his skills were leaving him.

[@LordofDublin4]

Exactly where did I indicate that gloves, guards, and pads make one a better hitter. Brave of you by the way to make verbal shots from the safety of your computer. As a former successful athlete in a number of sports when I was a lot younger I 'd sometimes welcome a shot like yours on the field of play or in the ring. It made for good fun. They were easy to see. But today we have guys like you who are trying to be tech-tuff and convince themselves they roar when really it's only a whine.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

Not exactly sure why you were attacked for what you said. Can anyone say that gloves have not made a big difference for receivers in football? Catches are being made now that were never seen until recent times.

[@noelharris5488]

@@YellowstoneBound1948 Really,never seen before?You've obviously never heard of Belitnikopf,Pearson,Carter,Just ta name a few...

[@stf0929497421]

Roger Maris Your Best

[@stevenyourke7901]

The Yankees forced Maris to play injured, they lied to him about the x rays that’s showed he hand broken bones in his hand. Outrageous. They ruined his career.

[@spencecallis301]

He did not lose his battle with cancer; it was a tie. When Mr. Marris died the cancer died too. RIP Rodger and Norm!!

[@rocknroll7316]

His son looks exactly like him

[@JohnStorrs]

Bud, do the right thing, give Roger his record back! Give the Babe his too!

[@JorgeCat78]

Fay Vincent did back in 1990

[@tgtg4667]

Put Roger in The Hall of Fame. One of The most Gracious Athletes I ever had the Pleasure to meet. The way He was treated by NY Fans in 1961 and 1962 was Despicable.

[@LordofDublin4]

excuse typos above .... it's late ... "hear" anyone mention/post .... edit to above

[@user-pk6bt7zn1v]

He didn’t get enough respect

[@JohnStorrs]

61?

[@marcuscompton3772]

This guy looks like Barry pepper.

[@michaelcanney7218]

Lmfao

[@DanielLDees]

IP #9

[@rct99]

Babe topped out at 60, didn't he?

[@syourke3]

The Yankees treated Maria like shit. They did not even give him a pay raise after he broke Ruth’s record. No wonder he was angry with them.

[@RedSoxNation92]

2:36 Ric Flair’s brother, Nic Flair.

[@rct99]

Which record would Babe still have? Not career home runs. Hank Aaron would still own that one.

[@fasteddie9055]

Onlly a 6 minute video for Roger??? The NYY never did respect him. I remember the 61 season and all the anti Maris hype in the papers much of it probably originating in the NYY front office. Yet, the NYY feature Rudy Fooliani in many of their videos. NYY you are a figment of your own imagination. I m surprised that the NYY retired his number.

[@mikeforte7585]

The NY media never accepted Roger and considered it blasphemous that he of all people wood challenge the Babes HR record....ex ballplayers that played with the Babe and the commissioner at the time Ford Frick could never come to terms that Roger was the new HR king...this resentment spread among some older fans and Roger was never accepted as a Yankee....in strange contrast an imperfect journey man pitched a perfect games in the 1956 world series and was accepted but Roger had a once in a lifetime career year was scorned upon....

[@michaelcanney7218]

@@mikeforte7585 only cause they wanted Mickey to do it

[@michaelcanney7218]

Typical New York fans

[@kylermacintire4823]

So disagreeing with someone and calling you a harmless is a "Verbal shot"? Hop off your soapbox, sorry I offended you. Seems to me you're the one whining.

[@kylermacintire4823]

So now you're telling me how tough you are? And I'm the one trying to be tough? All because I thought you meant that you said that batting gloves and elbow guards make a better hitter. Makes sense. And I'm sorry about your dad, I lost my mother to cancer this past december. Let's just agree to disagree.

[@stripervince1]

shoulda been mantle that hit 61. a true yankee

[@marchveris]

+stripervince1 Shoulda, coulda, woulda, shut up

[@stripervince1]

+marchveris ok

[@Th33Vultur3]

I wish based on what I have read and never seen him play that Mantle would have took better care of himself. Mantle was a great teammate and welcomed Roger with open arms and it would have been great to have seen him try to go for the record as well had he not gotten hurt.

[@clydeb7713]

stripervince You are a moron.

[@stripervince1]

Clyde Barrow Clyde barrow. are you supposed to be a bank robber from the 1930s?

[@stripervince1]

don't think so...bonds has more Homers than Aaron and has the single season record 73 Mcguire has more 70 also. Maris don't rate. and please don't start the steroids shit. bonds has the best numbers of all time. not debatable

[@stripervince1]

999YORK yes he would have. his Homers were all tape.measure jobs even as a pirate. he was the best player to ever play the game. period. all around. base runner gold glove, great arm....on and on

[@stripervince1]

bonds also has the most walks in history around 2550. was a very picky hitter and great eye

[@rayp4050]

Ever hear of a guy named Ruth? Until you out-homer entire teams (150 or more in Bonds' era) AND win 100 games as a pitcher, tossing every four days, no one will ever be better than GHR.

[@KDbreen1976]

Very debatable

[@BamaFanUSMC]

Not a Bandwagon your absolutely right! Roger is the genuine homerun record holder