On this day in 1961 Yankee right fielder Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the season off of Red Sox pitcher Tracy Stallard at Yankee Stadium. Maris breaks the cherished record of Babe Ruth who hit 60 in 1927. Maris and his teammate Mickey Mantle had been battling it out most of the season. Mantle was the player most wanted to break the record. I view Maris’ 61 in 61 as the record. Bonds, McGwire and Sosa were frauds, juicers.
On this date in 1963 Mark McGwire would be born.
slicethelife 
Maris was a good man who, it is sometimes forgotten, enjoyed some quality seasons with the Cardinals after his time in New York.
He helped the Cardinals to two pennants and a World Series with the Cards during his final two seasons, in 1967-68.