Roger Maris

Maris, Roger (1934–85), U.S. baseball player. In 1961, Maris made sports history by hitting 61 home runs, breaking Babe Ruth's single season home run mark of 60 set in 1927. Because Maris hit his home runs during a 162-game schedule and Ruth his during a 154–game schedule, both totals are considered records. Maris was also named the American league's most valuable player twice (1960, 61). He played outfield for the Cleveland Indians (1957–58), Kansas City Athletics (1958–59), New York Yankees (1960–66), and St. Louis Cardinals (1967–68).