Rare SI Photos of Roger Maris

Two-time AL MVP Roger Maris set an MLB record by hitting 61 home runs during the 1961 season for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs in 1927. Whether or not you are among those who consider Maris' 61 homers the "clean" home run record, it is still, 54 years later, the American League record. In recognition of Roger Maris, we present these rare SI photos of the slugging right fielder.

SI Staff | Sep 10, 2014

Rare SI Photos of Roger Maris /

Rare SI Photos of Roger Maris

Roger Maris at Yankee Stadium in June of 1960.

Roger Maris smiles from the dugout during the Yankees' exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on June 27, 1960.

Roger Maris bats against the Kansas City Athletics at Yankee Stadium on July 31, 1960.

Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle look on during batting practice before the Yankees' game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 26, 1960.

Roger Maris sits in the dugout before Game 2 of the World Series against the Pirates at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh on Oct. 6, 1960.

1960-Roger-Maris-Mickey-Mantle-Clete-Boyer-079008819.jpg — Neil Leifer for Sports Illustrated

Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and Clete Boyer gesture the Yankees needing one more game to win the World Series one after winning Game 6 against the Pirates at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh on Oct. 12, 1960.

1961-Roger-Maris-Johnny-Blanchard-Elston-Howard-Ralph-Houk-Ralph-Terry-017046680.jpg — Neil Leifer for Sports Illustrated

Roger Maris, Johnny Blanchard, Elston Howard, manager Ralph Houk and winning pitcher Ralph Terry celebrate in their locker room after clinching the AL pennant with a win over the Orioles at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore on Sept. 20, 1961. Maris hit his 59th season home run in the game.

Roger Maris talks to reporters after the Yankees clinched the AL pennant with a win over the Orioles at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore on Sept. 20, 1961. Maris hit his 59th season home run in the game.

Roger Maris hits his 61st home run in the fourth inning of the last game of the season against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 1, 1961.

Roger Maris poses with Sal Durante, the young fan who caught Maris' 61st home run ball at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 1, 1961.

Roger Maris poses for photographers before Game 2 of the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 5, 1961.

Roger Maris hits the game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Reds at Crosley Field in Cincinnati on Oct. 7, 1961.

Roger Maris bats in Game 4 of the World Series against the Reds at Crosley Field in Cincinnati on Oct. 8, 1961.

Published Sep 10, 2014

SI STAFF