Roger Maris was a professional baseball player known for his time as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career with the Cleveland Indians, who signed him in 1953. Maris made his MLB debut in 1957 but was traded to the Kansas City Athletics shortly thereafter. His performance with the Athletics was solid, but it was his subsequent trade to the New York Yankees in 1960 that marked the turning point in his career.

With the Yankees, Maris became a key player, contributing significantly to the team's success. He was known for his powerful hitting and strong defensive skills. In 1961, Maris achieved one of the most notable feats in baseball history by breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. He hit 61 home runs that season, a record that stood for 37 years until it was surpassed by Mark McGwire in 1998. Maris's achievement was met with mixed reactions, as some fans and media questioned the legitimacy of his record due to the expanded schedule that year, which included a 162-game season compared to the 154 games played in Ruth's time.

Throughout his career, Maris was recognized for his contributions on the field. He was a two-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), winning the award in 1960 and 1961. He was also selected as an All-Star in multiple seasons. Maris played a crucial role in helping the Yankees secure three consecutive World Series championships from 1961 to 1963.

Despite his success, Maris faced challenges, including intense media scrutiny and pressure from fans, particularly during his pursuit of the home run record. This pressure took a toll on his health and personal life. After the 1966 season, Maris was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to play until his retirement in 1968. During his time with the Cardinals, he helped the team win the World Series in 1967.

Maris's career was marked by both individual accomplishments and contributions to team success. He finished his career with a batting average of .260, 275 home runs, and 850 runs batted in (RBIs). After retiring, Maris's legacy continued to be a topic of discussion, particularly regarding his record-breaking season and the impact it had on the game of baseball.

⚾