**Presents**
1963 Jello #16 Roger Maris
1962 Post Cereal #6 Roger Maris (cut from cereal box)
The Roger Maris Page!
Roger Maris had the misfortune of breaking Babe Ruth's "unbreakable" single-season Home Run record in 1961. Of course it was a "career year" for Maris and he could never repeat that
sensational season. So he was vilified in New York and the media and is ignored by the Hall of Fame today. This page is a tribute to Roger Maris and his family. I had the privilege of meeting
Roger in 1980 and I will never forget it. His record may be broken by tainted sluggers since, but Roger was a great baseball player, family man, and person. Enjoy! Tim
sensational season. So he was vilified in New York and the media and is ignored by the Hall of Fame today. This page is a tribute to Roger Maris and his family. I had the privilege of meeting
Roger in 1980 and I will never forget it. His record may be broken by tainted sluggers since, but Roger was a great baseball player, family man, and person. Enjoy! Tim
| 1962 Bazooka Gum Box 3-card Panel (Joey Jay, Roger Maris, Frank Howard) |
| 1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris "black-less" (left) and regular card (right) |
This 3-card panel was cut from the bottom of a Bazooka Bubble Gum box. These cards are usually found
cut into "singles" as intended. They are great to collect because they usually feature different poses than
appeared on their Topps cards. They are also less expensive, probably because of their smaller size and
the fact that the backs are blank. But these are a very fun issue to collect!
cut into "singles" as intended. They are great to collect because they usually feature different poses than
appeared on their Topps cards. They are also less expensive, probably because of their smaller size and
the fact that the backs are blank. But these are a very fun issue to collect!
If you can see the difference between these two 1968 Topps cards, then you should be a printer. The one on the left
is missing the black ink. Very rare card. The 1968 Topps #330 card is Maris' last regular issue card, though he was
pictured on a World Series highlight card the following year (See 1969 Topps #164 below)
is missing the black ink. Very rare card. The 1968 Topps #330 card is Maris' last regular issue card, though he was
pictured on a World Series highlight card the following year (See 1969 Topps #164 below)
Here is every one of Topps regular baseball cards featuring Roger Maris. His last regular card as a player is 1968 Topps #330. I also included a couple of Topps' Maris cards from the
1970's and 1980's. Beginning in the 1990's thru present Topps produced even more cards featuring Maris. But we are just going to list the vintage ones here. Click on an image to see a
larger scan of the card!
1970's and 1980's. Beginning in the 1990's thru present Topps produced even more cards featuring Maris. But we are just going to list the vintage ones here. Click on an image to see a
larger scan of the card!
1958 #47 1959 #202 1960 #377 1960 #565 1961 #2 1961 #44 1961 #478 1961 #576 1962 #1 1962 #53
Rookie Card All Star 1960 AL HR Leaders 1960 AL MVP All Star 1961 AL HR Leaders
Rookie Card All Star 1960 AL HR Leaders 1960 AL MVP All Star 1961 AL HR Leaders
1962 #234 1962 #313 1962 #401 1963 #4 1963 #120 1963 #144 1964 #225 1964 #331 1965 #155 1966 #365
1961 World Series Gm 3 Maris Blasts 61st AL & NL HR Kings 1962 AL HR Ldrs 1962 World Series Gm 3 A.L. Bombers
1961 World Series Gm 3 Maris Blasts 61st AL & NL HR Kings 1962 AL HR Ldrs 1962 World Series Gm 3 A.L. Bombers
1967 #45 1968 #330 1969 #164 1975 #198 1975 #199 1979 #413 1986 #405
(Last reg. card) 1969 World Series Gm 3 1960 MVPs 1961 MVPs All Time HR Ldrs Turn Back The Clock
(Last reg. card) 1969 World Series Gm 3 1960 MVPs 1961 MVPs All Time HR Ldrs Turn Back The Clock
1959 Armour Bacon Kansas City A's Roger Maris
This is a very, VERY scarce Roger Maris issue. In 1959, various Kansas City Athletic players made public
appearances at local markets to promote Armour meat products (see wire photo, left). Only 4 different "cards"
are known, and two of them feature Roger Maris (see above). Armour provided the players with this very thin
paper issue, which was issued in notepad form. They also issued the players a mechanical wooden pen shaped
like a baseball bat to sign autographs. The above "photo to waist" issue is of a thicker paper stock than the
thin notepad "cards." You can see the difference in paper stock between the two examples above. Possibly,
this may be the cover of the notepad itself. If you know any more on this please send us an Email .
BTW, the owner of this card (above right) obtained it in person in 1959! The SCD Standard Catalog Of
Baseball Cards says that "To date, all known specimens have been found autographed"; however there is one
currently on eBay that is NOT autographed and I have another example that is not signed myself, so the SCD
Catalog is going to need to make some corrections for the 2007 edition...
appearances at local markets to promote Armour meat products (see wire photo, left). Only 4 different "cards"
are known, and two of them feature Roger Maris (see above). Armour provided the players with this very thin
paper issue, which was issued in notepad form. They also issued the players a mechanical wooden pen shaped
like a baseball bat to sign autographs. The above "photo to waist" issue is of a thicker paper stock than the
thin notepad "cards." You can see the difference in paper stock between the two examples above. Possibly,
this may be the cover of the notepad itself. If you know any more on this please send us an Email .
BTW, the owner of this card (above right) obtained it in person in 1959! The SCD Standard Catalog Of
Baseball Cards says that "To date, all known specimens have been found autographed"; however there is one
currently on eBay that is NOT autographed and I have another example that is not signed myself, so the SCD
Catalog is going to need to make some corrections for the 2007 edition...
1959 Wire Photo (Roger Maris signing autograph for fan)
>>>This is a postcard for Aamco Transmissions featuring Roger Maris near the end of his career as a
member of the St. Louis Cardinals. On December 8, 1966 the Yankees traded Roger Maris to the Cardinals
for Charlie Smith. The Yankees treated Maris badly; when he was traded they didn't tell him in person but
sent a telegram stating he had been traded and "thank you very little." Pretty bush league of the Yankees to
do that. The New York press and fans also never forgave Roger for his incredible 1961 season so it was a
bad divorce. However the trade was very good for Maris and the Cardinals. Roger enjoyed his last two
years in St. Louis and was a fan favorite. He really put on a show in the 1967 World Series against Boston
where he batted .385 with 10 hits (including a HR) and 7 runs batted in. You can see by Maris' smile that
he was happy in St. Louis. Check out the 1963 Topps #120 baseball card of him (above) and I think that
picture of Maris sums up his experience in New York.
I am not sure of the issue date of these postcards, but they would have to be either 1967 or 1968. The
backs have information about Aamco Transmissions. This issue is now listed in the 2006 Edition of the Sports
Collectors Digest Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards by Bob Lemke. Of course SCD fails to list me as a
contributor, but hey I am just happy to see more Roger Maris items documented! Thanks Bob. Other Aamco
Transmission postcards I have seen are Wilt Chamberlain (takes up 2 entire postcards! See our HOOPS
PAGE) and Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts (Gridiron Greats Page!).
member of the St. Louis Cardinals. On December 8, 1966 the Yankees traded Roger Maris to the Cardinals
for Charlie Smith. The Yankees treated Maris badly; when he was traded they didn't tell him in person but
sent a telegram stating he had been traded and "thank you very little." Pretty bush league of the Yankees to
do that. The New York press and fans also never forgave Roger for his incredible 1961 season so it was a
bad divorce. However the trade was very good for Maris and the Cardinals. Roger enjoyed his last two
years in St. Louis and was a fan favorite. He really put on a show in the 1967 World Series against Boston
where he batted .385 with 10 hits (including a HR) and 7 runs batted in. You can see by Maris' smile that
he was happy in St. Louis. Check out the 1963 Topps #120 baseball card of him (above) and I think that
picture of Maris sums up his experience in New York.
I am not sure of the issue date of these postcards, but they would have to be either 1967 or 1968. The
backs have information about Aamco Transmissions. This issue is now listed in the 2006 Edition of the Sports
Collectors Digest Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards by Bob Lemke. Of course SCD fails to list me as a
contributor, but hey I am just happy to see more Roger Maris items documented! Thanks Bob. Other Aamco
Transmission postcards I have seen are Wilt Chamberlain (takes up 2 entire postcards! See our HOOPS
PAGE) and Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts (Gridiron Greats Page!).
1968 Aamco Transmission Postcard Roger Maris
1962 Venezuela Topps #1 Roger Maris (Back view)
This 1962 Venezuela Topps Roger Maris card is similar to the regular Topps card with the exception of the card back, which is written en Espanol. The Venezuela Topps cards are much more difficult to acquire than the regular Topps cards and
are especially rare in high grades. This is PSA's highest graded example of this card. Topps also produced cards for the Venezuela market in 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1968. A Maris card was included in each of those sets. Very tough Roger Maris
cards!!!
are especially rare in high grades. This is PSA's highest graded example of this card. Topps also produced cards for the Venezuela market in 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1968. A Maris card was included in each of those sets. Very tough Roger Maris
cards!!!
This is a card (above, left) you don't see every day. While it looks like a regular 1967 Topps #45 Roger Maris card, it is actually a "proof" card that was never issued in gum packs. It is rumored that the surviving copies made their way into the
hobby through long-time Topps man Woody Gelman. The difference is "YANKEES" on the card front, while the regular Topps card features "CARDS" as Maris was traded in 1966 (see example, above right). The picture definitely shows Maris in
Yankee pinstripes with Yankee Stadium in the background, so most likely the picture was taken in 1966. The back of the proof card is blank with no statistics. But the BIGGEST difference is the price tag. A regular 1967 Topps #45 Roger Maris sells
for around $30 in NM while this example here recently sold on eBay for over $900! That's not a typo folks! Along with the 1953 Fargo/Moorehead Twins minor league cards of Maris (spelled "Maras" as this was the original family name before
Maris changed it around 1955), 1959 Armour Bacon Maris issues, 1961 7-11, and Venezuela Topps Maris cards, this is one very tough Roger Maris card!
hobby through long-time Topps man Woody Gelman. The difference is "YANKEES" on the card front, while the regular Topps card features "CARDS" as Maris was traded in 1966 (see example, above right). The picture definitely shows Maris in
Yankee pinstripes with Yankee Stadium in the background, so most likely the picture was taken in 1966. The back of the proof card is blank with no statistics. But the BIGGEST difference is the price tag. A regular 1967 Topps #45 Roger Maris sells
for around $30 in NM while this example here recently sold on eBay for over $900! That's not a typo folks! Along with the 1953 Fargo/Moorehead Twins minor league cards of Maris (spelled "Maras" as this was the original family name before
Maris changed it around 1955), 1959 Armour Bacon Maris issues, 1961 7-11, and Venezuela Topps Maris cards, this is one very tough Roger Maris card!
A very tough Maris card is this 1961 #25 7-11 card. 7-11 (a chain of convenience markets - "oh thank heaven for 7-11") produced this somewhat crude set in 1961. They feature a small black picture and previous season's highlights, printed on pink
cardboard. The backs are blank. According to the 2006 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, these 2-7/16" x 3-3/8" cards were a "crude attempt which was abruptly halted." The cards were sold seven for 5 cents in vending machines. I have had
this card on my want list for a few years (since I first found out about these cards) now and recently this one popped up on eBay. I got outbid on it and it sold for a bit over $200. Nuts.
cardboard. The backs are blank. According to the 2006 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, these 2-7/16" x 3-3/8" cards were a "crude attempt which was abruptly halted." The cards were sold seven for 5 cents in vending machines. I have had
this card on my want list for a few years (since I first found out about these cards) now and recently this one popped up on eBay. I got outbid on it and it sold for a bit over $200. Nuts.
| 1961 7-11 #25 Roger Maris (very rare!) |
| 1959 Topps original negative photo Roger Maris 1960 Topps #377 Roger Maris |
| 1966 Topps Charlie Smith 1966 Topps #365 Roger Maris April 1967 The Sporting News (Roger Maris) |
Who is Charlie Smith? Well on December 8, 1966 the New York Yankees traded Roger Maris to the St. Louis Cardinals for third sacker Charlie Smith. No other players were involved and no cash either. Just a straight up trade. Roger Maris for Charlie
Smith. A guy who had won two A.L. MVP Awards, a Gold Glove, broken Babe Ruth's unbreakable single-season Home Run Record, and helped the Yankees to 5 straight World Series for Charlie Smith. No offense to Charlie Smith, but he was no Roger
Maris. Smith went on to hit .224 and .229 in his two seasons as a Yankee. Of course Maris went on to help the St. Louis Cardinals to 2 straight World Series including the 1967 Cardinals Championship team. The Yankees didn't return to the World Series
until a decade later in 1976. While the Yankees showed little respect for Roger Maris at the time, they later made amends to Maris by retiring his uniform number (#9). Roger Maris passed away on December 14, 1985. While he is not enshrined in
Cooperstown, he may as well be. His baseball legacy is ensured by that one spectacular season in 1961. Click HERE to see Roger's complete baseball statistics (courtesy of Baseballreference.com)
Note: The 1966 Topps #365 Roger Maris card (above center) is an uncorrected (UER) error card. While not listed in the catalogs as such, Topps incorrectly listed Maris' birth year as "1931" on the card back. Roger Maris was actually born in 1934.
Also note that "Yankees" has been crossed off in pen and "Cards" written on the front of the card. This was not too uncommon back then. Remember kids collected these, flipped and traded them and noted team trades etc. by marking on them (this was
long before "Traded" cards came into vogue, and long before cards were actually "worth" money).
Smith. A guy who had won two A.L. MVP Awards, a Gold Glove, broken Babe Ruth's unbreakable single-season Home Run Record, and helped the Yankees to 5 straight World Series for Charlie Smith. No offense to Charlie Smith, but he was no Roger
Maris. Smith went on to hit .224 and .229 in his two seasons as a Yankee. Of course Maris went on to help the St. Louis Cardinals to 2 straight World Series including the 1967 Cardinals Championship team. The Yankees didn't return to the World Series
until a decade later in 1976. While the Yankees showed little respect for Roger Maris at the time, they later made amends to Maris by retiring his uniform number (#9). Roger Maris passed away on December 14, 1985. While he is not enshrined in
Cooperstown, he may as well be. His baseball legacy is ensured by that one spectacular season in 1961. Click HERE to see Roger's complete baseball statistics (courtesy of Baseballreference.com)
Note: The 1966 Topps #365 Roger Maris card (above center) is an uncorrected (UER) error card. While not listed in the catalogs as such, Topps incorrectly listed Maris' birth year as "1931" on the card back. Roger Maris was actually born in 1934.
Also note that "Yankees" has been crossed off in pen and "Cards" written on the front of the card. This was not too uncommon back then. Remember kids collected these, flipped and traded them and noted team trades etc. by marking on them (this was
long before "Traded" cards came into vogue, and long before cards were actually "worth" money).
1960 Topps Tattoos Roger Maris
In 1960, Topps produced a baseball "tattoos" series. You would moisten your skin, hold the tattoo in place, and wa-la, you were a stud. Needless to say, these tattoos are quite scarce today. Included in the series was
Roger Maris, who had been traded in late 1959 by Kansas City for Hank Bauer, Don Larson, Norm Siebern, & "Marvelous" Marv Throneberry. Bauer was near the end of his career playing just 2 more seasons; Larson,
well, he was famous for that one World Series game in 1956 (when he pitched a perfect game) but never won over 11 games in a season; Siebern had a respectable career, batting .272 with 132 home runs and 636
RBIs in 12 seasons; Marv Throneberry was to gain fame as an inept first sacker for the early Mets team and later in Miller Lite TV commercials. Maris, on the other hand, went on to become a legend. So it was a pretty
damn good deal for the Damn Yankees. This example, graded by the seller as "VG-EX" recently sold for $76 on eBay (March 2010 eBay auction; I know because I got outbid on it...).
Roger Maris, who had been traded in late 1959 by Kansas City for Hank Bauer, Don Larson, Norm Siebern, & "Marvelous" Marv Throneberry. Bauer was near the end of his career playing just 2 more seasons; Larson,
well, he was famous for that one World Series game in 1956 (when he pitched a perfect game) but never won over 11 games in a season; Siebern had a respectable career, batting .272 with 132 home runs and 636
RBIs in 12 seasons; Marv Throneberry was to gain fame as an inept first sacker for the early Mets team and later in Miller Lite TV commercials. Maris, on the other hand, went on to become a legend. So it was a pretty
damn good deal for the Damn Yankees. This example, graded by the seller as "VG-EX" recently sold for $76 on eBay (March 2010 eBay auction; I know because I got outbid on it...).
Here is a pretty unique item, a 1959 Topps original negative photo of Roger Maris (above, left). According to Topps, these original color negatives were shot by official Topps photographers but, for reasons unknown, failed
to make the cut, and thus, never appeared on a Topps card. However you can see that in 1960 Topps used a 1959 picture of Maris (above right), probably taken from the same photo shoot. You can see the background on
the card is the same, as is Roger's Kansas City Athletics uniform. Topps used to take photos with players wearing their caps and without, in case of trades. In 1960 Roger was traded by the Athletics to the Yankees, so Topps
obviously chose to use the capless photo of Maris instead. Very cool Maris piece.
to make the cut, and thus, never appeared on a Topps card. However you can see that in 1960 Topps used a 1959 picture of Maris (above right), probably taken from the same photo shoot. You can see the background on
the card is the same, as is Roger's Kansas City Athletics uniform. Topps used to take photos with players wearing their caps and without, in case of trades. In 1960 Roger was traded by the Athletics to the Yankees, so Topps
obviously chose to use the capless photo of Maris instead. Very cool Maris piece.
1957 newspaper clipping of Roger Maris of the Cleveland Indians
Roger Maris autographs are highly coveted and very expensive, usually fetching $400 or more. I thought this was an interesting piece so I copied it from eBay. This is a terrific newspaper clipping of Roger Maris in his rookie season (1957) while a member of
the Cleveland Indians. There was a book written awhile back called "The Curse Of Rocky Colavito" but a very good case could be made for a book entitled "The Curse Of Cleveland's GM." Why would Cleveland trade a young Roger Maris, who had hit 14
HR's in only 358 at-bats his rookie year? The next season Roger was traded early in the season along with two other players to Kansas City for Woodie Held & Vic Power. Maris went on to hit 28 home runs in 1958. Now Held and Power both had some
terrific seasons, but did either have similar seasons to Maris' 1960 & 1961 seasons? Worse, why in the world, if you are Cleveland, would you trade away an outfield of Roger Maris, Rocky Colavito, and Jim Piersall? Maris was traded in 1958,
Colavito in 1960, and Piersall in 1961. Can you imagine those three in Cleveland's outfield? Cleveland couldn't.
I thought the comparision to Mickey Mantle at the very end of this piece was very interesting. Note the cartoon depiction of Mantle (#7) looking up to the larger image of Maris. I can't make out the artist's name (the drawings are terrific), but the cartoon
images of Maris sure looks like the artwork on the back of Topps baseball cards (especially in 1958 and 1959). Maybe it is the same artist. Regardless this is a great Roger Maris piece and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! UPDATE: The artist's name is
LOU DARVAS of the Cleveland Press. Thanks to TJ Horak for the info!
the Cleveland Indians. There was a book written awhile back called "The Curse Of Rocky Colavito" but a very good case could be made for a book entitled "The Curse Of Cleveland's GM." Why would Cleveland trade a young Roger Maris, who had hit 14
HR's in only 358 at-bats his rookie year? The next season Roger was traded early in the season along with two other players to Kansas City for Woodie Held & Vic Power. Maris went on to hit 28 home runs in 1958. Now Held and Power both had some
terrific seasons, but did either have similar seasons to Maris' 1960 & 1961 seasons? Worse, why in the world, if you are Cleveland, would you trade away an outfield of Roger Maris, Rocky Colavito, and Jim Piersall? Maris was traded in 1958,
Colavito in 1960, and Piersall in 1961. Can you imagine those three in Cleveland's outfield? Cleveland couldn't.
I thought the comparision to Mickey Mantle at the very end of this piece was very interesting. Note the cartoon depiction of Mantle (#7) looking up to the larger image of Maris. I can't make out the artist's name (the drawings are terrific), but the cartoon
images of Maris sure looks like the artwork on the back of Topps baseball cards (especially in 1958 and 1959). Maybe it is the same artist. Regardless this is a great Roger Maris piece and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! UPDATE: The artist's name is
LOU DARVAS of the Cleveland Press. Thanks to TJ Horak for the info!
1953 Fargo Moorhead Twins Roger Maras
1953 Fargo Moorhead Twins Roger Maras (Roger Maris)
Probably the rarest baseball card of Roger Maris is this 1953 Fargo Moorhead Roger Maras issue. This pre-dates Maris' first Topps baseball card (1958 Topps #47) by 5 years. The Fargo Moorhead Twins were
an Indians minor league team. Roger's surname was originally spelled "Maras" but he changed it in 1955 to "Maris." This is a rare card; one of two featuring Maris. The other features Maris batting. The cards in
themselves are rare; imagine how rare this early autograph (spelled "Maras") is. Time will tell; this item is currently listed on eBay by Heritage Auction house (April 2008). Minimum bid is $1000. This will sell for much
more than that. The card without the autograph lists for $1250 (either pose) in NM, $625 in EX. Maris autographs fetch a few hundred dollars and being this is a very rare and early autograph, should fetch a significant
amount. If I wasn't in debt already, I would GO back into debt for this piece!
an Indians minor league team. Roger's surname was originally spelled "Maras" but he changed it in 1955 to "Maris." This is a rare card; one of two featuring Maris. The other features Maris batting. The cards in
themselves are rare; imagine how rare this early autograph (spelled "Maras") is. Time will tell; this item is currently listed on eBay by Heritage Auction house (April 2008). Minimum bid is $1000. This will sell for much
more than that. The card without the autograph lists for $1250 (either pose) in NM, $625 in EX. Maris autographs fetch a few hundred dollars and being this is a very rare and early autograph, should fetch a significant
amount. If I wasn't in debt already, I would GO back into debt for this piece!
1947-66 Exhibits Roger Maris
Exhibit cards were issued by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago in vending machines. They are large size, about postcard size, and feature black & white or sepia toned photographs. This Roger Maris Exhibit was actually issued between 1960
and 1966. The photo used for this card was also used for the 1962 and 1963 Statistic Back Exhibits. The difference is the backs. The 1962-63 Statistic Back Exhibits feature full stats on the card back, while this 1947-66 Exhibit Roger Maris has a blank
back. Reasonably priced today (because they are not as colorful or popular as the other cards of the era), this Maris card lists for only $25 in NM condition, $12.50 in EX, and $7.50 in VG (according to the 2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard
Catalog of Baseball Cards). A real bargain either way; Topps cards from the same period will run closer to 3 to 4 times that amount. Of course the bigger bargain was when these cards were issued. They originally cost one penny!
and 1966. The photo used for this card was also used for the 1962 and 1963 Statistic Back Exhibits. The difference is the backs. The 1962-63 Statistic Back Exhibits feature full stats on the card back, while this 1947-66 Exhibit Roger Maris has a blank
back. Reasonably priced today (because they are not as colorful or popular as the other cards of the era), this Maris card lists for only $25 in NM condition, $12.50 in EX, and $7.50 in VG (according to the 2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard
Catalog of Baseball Cards). A real bargain either way; Topps cards from the same period will run closer to 3 to 4 times that amount. Of course the bigger bargain was when these cards were issued. They originally cost one penny!
1967 UPI wire photo Roger Maris takes a time out to talk to the fans 9/27/1967
What a great photo this is. Taken on September 27, 1967, this vintage UPI wire photo shows the great Roger Maris signing autographs for fans. Note the caption on the back of the photo (above right), "Maris, playing his
first season with the Redbirds, has endeared himself to old and young fans alike." The above photo shows exactly that. With a rejuvenated Roger Maris, the Cardinals won the pennant in 1967 and 1968. Meanwhile the
Yankees went into a sad decline (for Yankees fans), and did not reach a World Series again until 1977.
first season with the Redbirds, has endeared himself to old and young fans alike." The above photo shows exactly that. With a rejuvenated Roger Maris, the Cardinals won the pennant in 1967 and 1968. Meanwhile the
Yankees went into a sad decline (for Yankees fans), and did not reach a World Series again until 1977.
Questions, comments? Please email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Also, if you enjoyed my Roger Maris Page, please visit our other player pages:
Fred Lynn
Jim "Jimmy" Piersall
Carl Yastrzemski
Fred Lynn
Jim "Jimmy" Piersall
Carl Yastrzemski
1961 Nu-Card Scoops #416 Maris Nips Mantle For MVP
Among the many issues of Roger Maris in 1961 is this 1961 Nu-Card Baseball Scoops #416 Roger Maris card (Maris Nips Mantle For AL MVP Award). These black & white cards have a mock newspaper front
with a write up on the card backs. The Nu-Card Baseball Scoops cards were issued in 1960 and 1961 and while not as popular as say Topps cards, they are very affordable. You can pick up this card in ungraded NM
condition for less than $20 (compare to Maris' 1961 Topps #2 card at around $150 in ungraded NM). If not for Maris, Mickey Mantle would have won 5 AL MVP Awards in his career. Mantle came in 2nd to Maris in
both 1960 and 1961 and won the MVP Award in 1956, 1957, & 1962. But contrary to some folks in the media, there was no animosity between the two Yankees. Both were friends & roommates, and Mantle even was
quoted as saying that Maris' 61 home runs in 1961 was the greatest baseball feat he had ever seen. I think that Mantle also appreciated the fact that during Maris' 7 years with the team, the Yankees went to the World Series
5 times
with a write up on the card backs. The Nu-Card Baseball Scoops cards were issued in 1960 and 1961 and while not as popular as say Topps cards, they are very affordable. You can pick up this card in ungraded NM
condition for less than $20 (compare to Maris' 1961 Topps #2 card at around $150 in ungraded NM). If not for Maris, Mickey Mantle would have won 5 AL MVP Awards in his career. Mantle came in 2nd to Maris in
both 1960 and 1961 and won the MVP Award in 1956, 1957, & 1962. But contrary to some folks in the media, there was no animosity between the two Yankees. Both were friends & roommates, and Mantle even was
quoted as saying that Maris' 61 home runs in 1961 was the greatest baseball feat he had ever seen. I think that Mantle also appreciated the fact that during Maris' 7 years with the team, the Yankees went to the World Series
5 times
Here are a couple of obscure Roger Maris issues. The 1961 Topps Stamps (above left) were issued in wax packs and intended to be pasted in a special Topps Stamp Album. Topps also issued stamps in 1962 (including Maris). Also in 1962 Topps
issued Baseball Bucks (above right) which were very innovative but they must have not been too popular as this was the only year Topps produced them. They are much smaller than a regular bill, and feature a black & white image of the top stars of
the day. The baseball bucks came in $1, $5, & $10 denominations, with the $10 being the top players of the game. Topps thought highly of Maris and rightfully so as he was included on this $10 Baseball Buck. Note the image of Maris, which was the
same image Topps used on his 1963 Topps #120 card (see Topps Gallery of Maris cards at the top of this page).
issued Baseball Bucks (above right) which were very innovative but they must have not been too popular as this was the only year Topps produced them. They are much smaller than a regular bill, and feature a black & white image of the top stars of
the day. The baseball bucks came in $1, $5, & $10 denominations, with the $10 being the top players of the game. Topps thought highly of Maris and rightfully so as he was included on this $10 Baseball Buck. Note the image of Maris, which was the
same image Topps used on his 1963 Topps #120 card (see Topps Gallery of Maris cards at the top of this page).
Please note that these are Topps cards only; there are many more issues of Roger Maris including Sohio Gas, Armour Bacon, Nu-Card Scoops, 7-11, Jell-O, Post Cereal, Auravision, Atlantic Oil, Venezuela Topps, Bazooka,
O-Pee-Chee, and many more. Some of these issues are shown below.
O-Pee-Chee, and many more. Some of these issues are shown below.
1964 Auravision Records Mickey Mantle 1964 Auravision Records Roger Maris
Issued on thick card stock with a super glossy finish are these 1964 Auravision Records. They are actually 33-1/3 rpm records that were meant to be played on your phonograph (this is way before CD's for those of
you who do not know what records or phonographs are). Note that the above examples have the center hole punched out, which means these were played on a phonograph as intended. The pictures are beautiful and to
me these are very undervalued today, which translates to a great bargain for a vintage Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris issue!
you who do not know what records or phonographs are). Note that the above examples have the center hole punched out, which means these were played on a phonograph as intended. The pictures are beautiful and to
me these are very undervalued today, which translates to a great bargain for a vintage Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris issue!
Roger Eugene Maris
September 10, 1934 - December 14, 1985
September 10, 1934 - December 14, 1985
Roger Maris Venezuela Topps cards are probably his toughest to acquire from the 1960's. Topps printed cards for the Venezuelan market in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1968. Maris was included in the 1962, '64, '66, '67, and '68
Venezuela Topps sets. So if you collect Roger Maris cards you are going to need to pick up these very tough cards. Because the Venezuela Topps cards are extremely scarce, expect to pay a premium for them. Most of these cards are in lower grades do
to the practice of pasting or gluing the cards in scrapbooks. The above 1966 Venezuela Topps #365 Roger Maris is a typical example; creasing and some paper missing on the back where it was removed from a scrapbook. The 1966 Venezuela Topps
are nearly identical to the 1966 Topps cards with the exception of no gloss on the front and more of a "red" color in the back compared to the "pink-orange" color of the regular Topps cards. Paper stock is also different, while you can find 1966 Topps
cards with snow white borders, the Venezuela Topps cards appear much more aged or "dirty." The 1966 Topps and Venezuela Topps Roger Maris card are his last to picture him as a Yankee. Both cards are uncorrected error cards; note the year of his
birth is "1931" when actually Maris was born in 1934.
Venezuela Topps sets. So if you collect Roger Maris cards you are going to need to pick up these very tough cards. Because the Venezuela Topps cards are extremely scarce, expect to pay a premium for them. Most of these cards are in lower grades do
to the practice of pasting or gluing the cards in scrapbooks. The above 1966 Venezuela Topps #365 Roger Maris is a typical example; creasing and some paper missing on the back where it was removed from a scrapbook. The 1966 Venezuela Topps
are nearly identical to the 1966 Topps cards with the exception of no gloss on the front and more of a "red" color in the back compared to the "pink-orange" color of the regular Topps cards. Paper stock is also different, while you can find 1966 Topps
cards with snow white borders, the Venezuela Topps cards appear much more aged or "dirty." The 1966 Topps and Venezuela Topps Roger Maris card are his last to picture him as a Yankee. Both cards are uncorrected error cards; note the year of his
birth is "1931" when actually Maris was born in 1934.
1966 Venezuela Topps #365 Roger Maris (Back view)
1960's Hartland Plastics Roger Maris complete box 1960's Hartland Plastics Roger Maris (original statue)
1968-69 Roger Maris Postcard (Autographed)
Hartland Plastics issued some very cool baseball figures in the 1950's thru 1960's. Featuring many of the games greats, these figures are prized collectibles today. The figures included Hank Aaron, Yogi Berra, Mickey
Mantle, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and more. The original figures are very scarce today and the complete boxes and plastic name tags that came with the statue are even rarer. Hartland also issued an
Anniversary set of the statues in 1998, which are much less than the originals. Either way, this is a terrific Roger Maris collectible.
Mantle, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and more. The original figures are very scarce today and the complete boxes and plastic name tags that came with the statue are even rarer. Hartland also issued an
Anniversary set of the statues in 1998, which are much less than the originals. Either way, this is a terrific Roger Maris collectible.
Here are a couple photos showing Roger Maris feeling the pressure of Babe Ruth's single season Home Run Record. With everyone wanting a piece of him, including the media and fans, Maris was
showing signs of strain. Check out these pictures- does Maris look like he's having a good time? When Mark McGwire "broke" Maris' HR record in 1996, all McGwire got was love and adoration. The
opposite for Roger Maris and he didn't use steroids! In my opinion (and hopefully MLB will someday recognize this as well) Roger Maris is still the All-Time Single Season Home Run Champ!
showing signs of strain. Check out these pictures- does Maris look like he's having a good time? When Mark McGwire "broke" Maris' HR record in 1996, all McGwire got was love and adoration. The
opposite for Roger Maris and he didn't use steroids! In my opinion (and hopefully MLB will someday recognize this as well) Roger Maris is still the All-Time Single Season Home Run Champ!
Oct. 26, 1960 Poloroid photo Roger Maris signing autographs at Elks Club
How cool is this photo, taken on October 26, 1960 at an Elk's Club. First, it depicts a happy Roger Maris signing autographs for some kids (check out all the crew cuts). This was taken after the 1960 World Series, in which
the Yankees lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates. However Maris won the AL MVP Award in 1960 and he was about to have one of the most memorable seasons ever in 1961. Terrific piece of Roger Maris memorabilia.
NOTE: This autographed Roger Maris photo recently sold for $202.50 (eBay auction, November 2009).
the Yankees lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates. However Maris won the AL MVP Award in 1960 and he was about to have one of the most memorable seasons ever in 1961. Terrific piece of Roger Maris memorabilia.
NOTE: This autographed Roger Maris photo recently sold for $202.50 (eBay auction, November 2009).
1960-61 Wiffle Ball complete box with Roger Maris
October 1, 1961 Sport Magazine Wire Photo (Roger Maris hits 61st home run for record)
Oct. 1, 1961 New York Mirror Final Edition "61 FOR ROG"
| 1967 Topps Roger Maris blank-back "Proof" card |
| 1967 Topps #45a Roger Maris (Proof) 1967 Topps #45b Roger Maris |
1972 Sport Magazine Wire Photo Roger Maris at Busch Stadium
I always assumed Roger Maris kept his crew cut. I met him in 1980 and he was still looking good with that short cropped hair. But I came across this photo by Sport Magazine and it shows Roger with a different "doo" in
1973. If not for injuries, and the fallout of his 1961 season, Maris might still have been playing in 1973. He was only 39 years old here. Check out the plaid sports jacket. You have to remember the 1970's was a different
decade to say the least. I like this photo because it shows a different side of Roger Maris. He is "retired" and looks content. The Yankees later came to their senses and invited Maris back to Yankee Stadium as a Yankee
legend. His uniform number (#9) was retired by the Yankees in 1984, so thankfully Maris was able to see that both the Yankees and baseball fans everywhere had finally understood what he had accomplished.
Billy Crystal produced a very good movie about Roger Maris and the 1961 season called "61*." Actor Barry Pepper ("Saving Private Ryan") plays Roger and looks like him as well! It is available on DVD so if you get a
chance you should check it out.
1973. If not for injuries, and the fallout of his 1961 season, Maris might still have been playing in 1973. He was only 39 years old here. Check out the plaid sports jacket. You have to remember the 1970's was a different
decade to say the least. I like this photo because it shows a different side of Roger Maris. He is "retired" and looks content. The Yankees later came to their senses and invited Maris back to Yankee Stadium as a Yankee
legend. His uniform number (#9) was retired by the Yankees in 1984, so thankfully Maris was able to see that both the Yankees and baseball fans everywhere had finally understood what he had accomplished.
Billy Crystal produced a very good movie about Roger Maris and the 1961 season called "61*." Actor Barry Pepper ("Saving Private Ryan") plays Roger and looks like him as well! It is available on DVD so if you get a
chance you should check it out.
1961 "Shooting For 61 in '61" (Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth) Pinback
(courtesy of Ben Weingarten)
(courtesy of Ben Weingarten)
Early 1960's Roger Maris "Bobble Head" Statue with original box
1962 Post Cereal Roger Maris & Mickey Mantle 2 card advertising panel issued in LIFE Magazine
In 1962 Post cereal issued a 200 card baseball set on the backs of it's breakfast cereal boxes. You had to buy a lot of boxes to get a complete set. As a promotion, Post issued a 2 card panel in LIFE Magazine featuring both
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. These cards are printed on a thick paper stock, unlike the regular cardboard stock used on the cereal box cards. Also on the backs of these particular cards is an advertisement stating "Start
with these two- they're free- Get 200 top stars in all on Post Cereals!" along with the Post logo. Another difference is the absence of lines separating the statistics on the LIFE magazine Mantle & Maris cards. The cereal box
cards all have lines separating the statistics. The Mantle was inserted close to the magazine binding so it is very susceptible to creasing and wear; the Maris card can still be found in high grades. One of the best values on a
baseball card is the 1962 Post #6 Roger Maris (either the cereal box or magazine version) as they list for around $25 in ungraded NM condition. You can still find the LIFE magazine with the cards intact but expect to pay
around $75-$125.
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. These cards are printed on a thick paper stock, unlike the regular cardboard stock used on the cereal box cards. Also on the backs of these particular cards is an advertisement stating "Start
with these two- they're free- Get 200 top stars in all on Post Cereals!" along with the Post logo. Another difference is the absence of lines separating the statistics on the LIFE magazine Mantle & Maris cards. The cereal box
cards all have lines separating the statistics. The Mantle was inserted close to the magazine binding so it is very susceptible to creasing and wear; the Maris card can still be found in high grades. One of the best values on a
baseball card is the 1962 Post #6 Roger Maris (either the cereal box or magazine version) as they list for around $25 in ungraded NM condition. You can still find the LIFE magazine with the cards intact but expect to pay
around $75-$125.
1962 Post Sugar Crisp cereal box front w/ Roger Maris advertisement
In 1968 Atlantic Oil issued these baseball player game cards at their gas stations. You could win cash prizes but even if you didn't (which was more likely), you got to keep these cool cards. Featured in the set is one of the last cards of Roger Maris as
an active player (above left). These cards are very affordable, much more so than a similar condition 1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris baseball card (his last regular card as an active player; center). However, technically, Maris' last appearance as a
player was on the 1969 Topps #164 1968 World Series Game 3 "McCarver's Homer," which pictures both Roger Maris and Curt Flood congratulating McCarver at home plate.
an active player (above left). These cards are very affordable, much more so than a similar condition 1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris baseball card (his last regular card as an active player; center). However, technically, Maris' last appearance as a
player was on the 1969 Topps #164 1968 World Series Game 3 "McCarver's Homer," which pictures both Roger Maris and Curt Flood congratulating McCarver at home plate.
(Back view)
1975 O-Pee-Chee #198 1960 MVPs Topps #413 All Time HR Ldrs (Maris, Aaron) 1986 Topps #405 Roger Maris Turn Back The Clock
Here are a couple Roger Maris Topps issues from the 1970's-1980's. In 1975, Topps issued a special subset dedicated to previous Most Valuable Award Winners from 1951 (Topps' first year) to 1974. So Roger Maris is included twice, as the 1960
and 1961 American League MVP (card #'s 198, 199). Topps also issued a "Mini" set in 1975, which are identical to the regular Topps cards except the "Mini" cards are a bit smaller in size. And Topps' counterpart in Canada, O-Pee-Chee (above
left) also released a similar card set with the exception of different card stock, plus the OPC cards have write ups in both English and French on the reverse. So if you are working on a Roger Maris "Master Set" you are going to need 6 different Maris
cards from 1975: Topps (2), Topps Mini (2), and O-Pee-Chee (2). There is one other Topps Roger Maris issue from the 1970's and that would be 1979 Topps #413 All Time Home Run Leaders (above center). It features All Time HR King Hank
Aaron, plus the single season HR record holder, Roger Maris (don't you think that Topps could have used better photos then the "mug" shots they used on this card?). Even though Maris' record has been broken several times over by tainted sluggers,
most fans (including myself) still consider Aaron and Maris as the All-Time HR Leaders. In 1986, Topps also issued a Maris card, reproducing the 1961 Topps #2 Roger Maris for a special "Turn Back The Clock" subset (above, right). There is also a
Topps "Tiffany" set the same year, which is basically a Topps set with better quality card stock and high gloss finish. The Topps "Tiffany" cards were printed in limited quantities compared to the regular Topps cards (the 1985 Topps Tiffany set had a
production run of 5,000 sets) and are of much better quality. I recommend picking one of these up as it is very inexpensive. You can probably pick one up for around a buck, compared to an original 1961 Topps #2 Roger Maris which lists for $145
in ungraded NM condition).
and 1961 American League MVP (card #'s 198, 199). Topps also issued a "Mini" set in 1975, which are identical to the regular Topps cards except the "Mini" cards are a bit smaller in size. And Topps' counterpart in Canada, O-Pee-Chee (above
left) also released a similar card set with the exception of different card stock, plus the OPC cards have write ups in both English and French on the reverse. So if you are working on a Roger Maris "Master Set" you are going to need 6 different Maris
cards from 1975: Topps (2), Topps Mini (2), and O-Pee-Chee (2). There is one other Topps Roger Maris issue from the 1970's and that would be 1979 Topps #413 All Time Home Run Leaders (above center). It features All Time HR King Hank
Aaron, plus the single season HR record holder, Roger Maris (don't you think that Topps could have used better photos then the "mug" shots they used on this card?). Even though Maris' record has been broken several times over by tainted sluggers,
most fans (including myself) still consider Aaron and Maris as the All-Time HR Leaders. In 1986, Topps also issued a Maris card, reproducing the 1961 Topps #2 Roger Maris for a special "Turn Back The Clock" subset (above, right). There is also a
Topps "Tiffany" set the same year, which is basically a Topps set with better quality card stock and high gloss finish. The Topps "Tiffany" cards were printed in limited quantities compared to the regular Topps cards (the 1985 Topps Tiffany set had a
production run of 5,000 sets) and are of much better quality. I recommend picking one of these up as it is very inexpensive. You can probably pick one up for around a buck, compared to an original 1961 Topps #2 Roger Maris which lists for $145
in ungraded NM condition).
1964 Challenge The Yankees Roger Maris game card
The 1964 "Challenge The Yankees" issue were individual game cards (see above left) used to play a simulated baseball game. They are fairly scarce, you will see more 1964 Topps Roger Maris cards than a 1964 Challenge The Yankees Roger
Maris card. However because these game cards are not as popular as the Topps cards, they can be had for pretty cheap. A recent ungraded (graded by the seller as "EX") example sold for $10.99 (plus $3.75 postage) in a February 2010 eBay
auction. Next, we have a superb example of a 1965 Old London Coins Roger Maris (above right), still in the original plastic wrapper as issued. If you recognize the photo, it is from both the 1962 Topps Baseball Bucks and 1963 Topps #120
Roger Maris issues. The coins are metal and usually show signs of wear from handling, trading, etc., most notably on the blue edges of the coin and the back of the coin.
Maris card. However because these game cards are not as popular as the Topps cards, they can be had for pretty cheap. A recent ungraded (graded by the seller as "EX") example sold for $10.99 (plus $3.75 postage) in a February 2010 eBay
auction. Next, we have a superb example of a 1965 Old London Coins Roger Maris (above right), still in the original plastic wrapper as issued. If you recognize the photo, it is from both the 1962 Topps Baseball Bucks and 1963 Topps #120
Roger Maris issues. The coins are metal and usually show signs of wear from handling, trading, etc., most notably on the blue edges of the coin and the back of the coin.
| 1958 Topps #158 Cleveland Indians Team (with Roger Maris) 1968 Topps #497 Cardinals Team (with Roger Maris) |
Roger Maris' first regular baseball card, 1958 Topps #47 (see Topps Gallery of Roger Maris cards at the top of this page) is considered his "rookie card." It is also pretty expensive, ranging from $85 in (ungraded) VG to $285 in (ungraded) NM
condition (2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards). Graded examples, especially high grade ones will bring even higher prices (PSA SMR lists a PSA 7 NM Maris at $375, PSA 7.5 NM+ $500, and PSA 8 NM-MT $825;
Nov 2009 SMR). Maris also appears on the Indians Team card that same year (1958 Topps #158; above left). He is pictured in the 3rd row, third from the left. This card I saw on eBay for around $8. I already have one; otherwise I would have
bought it. Eight dollars? Not only does the card feature Roger Maris his rookie card year, but it also features fan favorites Rocco "Rocky" Colavito, Herb Score, Bobby Avila, Chico Carrasquel, Gene Woodling plus Hall of Fame pitchers Bob Lemon
and Early Wynn. See if you can spot them. Another inexpensive Topps card featuring Maris would be 1968 Topps #497 Cardinals Team (above right) which has a great picture of Roger sitting in the front row, clearly visible on the very right. This
card also features Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, and Manager Red Schoendienst, as well as stars like Curt Flood, Tim McCarver and others from that pennant winning team. You can pick up this card in nice
shape for less than ten bucks. Most of the other Topps Team cards have some pretty lame photos that you can't even make out the individual players. The final Topps card to picture Maris as an active player is 1969 Topps #164 '68 World Series
Game 3 "McCarver's HR Puts St. Louis Ahead." Roger Maris is pictured along with Curt Flood greeting McCarver at home plate (see Topps Gallery of Roger Maris baseball cards at the top of this page). Again, that card you can get for a few
bucks or less.
condition (2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards). Graded examples, especially high grade ones will bring even higher prices (PSA SMR lists a PSA 7 NM Maris at $375, PSA 7.5 NM+ $500, and PSA 8 NM-MT $825;
Nov 2009 SMR). Maris also appears on the Indians Team card that same year (1958 Topps #158; above left). He is pictured in the 3rd row, third from the left. This card I saw on eBay for around $8. I already have one; otherwise I would have
bought it. Eight dollars? Not only does the card feature Roger Maris his rookie card year, but it also features fan favorites Rocco "Rocky" Colavito, Herb Score, Bobby Avila, Chico Carrasquel, Gene Woodling plus Hall of Fame pitchers Bob Lemon
and Early Wynn. See if you can spot them. Another inexpensive Topps card featuring Maris would be 1968 Topps #497 Cardinals Team (above right) which has a great picture of Roger sitting in the front row, clearly visible on the very right. This
card also features Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, and Manager Red Schoendienst, as well as stars like Curt Flood, Tim McCarver and others from that pennant winning team. You can pick up this card in nice
shape for less than ten bucks. Most of the other Topps Team cards have some pretty lame photos that you can't even make out the individual players. The final Topps card to picture Maris as an active player is 1969 Topps #164 '68 World Series
Game 3 "McCarver's HR Puts St. Louis Ahead." Roger Maris is pictured along with Curt Flood greeting McCarver at home plate (see Topps Gallery of Roger Maris baseball cards at the top of this page). Again, that card you can get for a few
bucks or less.
| 1968 Baseball Marbles Roger Maris (back view) |
I don't know anything about these player marbles but I saw this one on eBay. They were made in Japan and sold here in blister packages with other player marbles. These are somewhat similar to the baseball rubber balls
that also featured ball players. There probably are not many of these around as most got lost, tossed or bounced into a storm drain (I know I lost some of those high bouncing rubber balls that way). The above Roger Maris
marble had a listing price of around $50 (Feb. 2010). I think that's a bit steep for something made in Japan.
that also featured ball players. There probably are not many of these around as most got lost, tossed or bounced into a storm drain (I know I lost some of those high bouncing rubber balls that way). The above Roger Maris
marble had a listing price of around $50 (Feb. 2010). I think that's a bit steep for something made in Japan.
1968 All-Pro Cereal Box featuring Roger Maris
Billboards tout the 61 in '61 clubbed by Maris, "Fargo's golden boy"
A North Dakota billboard company has erected a pair of signs in Fargo honoring local hero Roger Maris, whose record 61 home runs in 1961 have long been clouded with an asterisk.
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune, February 5, 2010
Take that, Mark McGwire. And, for that matter, Babe Ruth, too. A North Dakota billboard company has erected a pair of signs in Fargo honoring local hero Roger Maris, whose record 61 home runs in 1961 have long been clouded with an asterisk.
Because he clubbed the homers in more games than Babe Ruth's record 60, the baseball Hall of Fame has never recognized his feat, much less admitted him to Cooperstown. And the "61 in '61" (his epitaph in a Fargo cemetery) accomplishment
was eclipsed in 1998 when McGwire hit 70 dingers.
Owners of Newman Outdoor Advertising decided to rectify what they see as a historical disservice to Maris, a Hibbing native who died in 1985. "He's our boy -- Fargo's golden boy," said company executive Russ Newman, who got to know Maris in the
early 1980s "and became really enamored of him. He was such a gentleman." The billboards feature a picture of Maris during his days as a New York Yankee and the slogan, "Fargo's Maris 'Legitimate' Home Run King." Newman said he decided to
erect the billboards in the wake of McGwire's recent admission that he used steroids during his home run binge. "With all these players coming out of the closet about steroids, when McGwire admitted it, it really pushed me over the edge to do this," he
said. Newman, son of the firm's owner, hopes the billboards will serve as a kind of public lobbying campaign to get Maris into the Hall of Fame. Some national attention wouldn't hurt, either, he added. "We haven't given up hope on the Hall of Fame," he
said. Maris, famously troubled during and after his home run feat, already has been honored in Fargo, where he grew up. The Roger Maris Museum at a Fargo shopping mall is a "permanent shrine to a reluctant hero" and features artifacts from his
career. In addition, at North Dakota State University's ballfield, Maris' Number 8, dating from his stint with the Fargo-Moorhead Twins in the 1950s, has been retired. And in 2005, the North Dakota Legislature passed a resolution stating that baseball
could start cleaning up its image by electing Maris to Cooperstown. Newman said more billboards may be in the offing, with more pointed messages, along the lines of "who really belongs in the Hall of Fame?"
A North Dakota billboard company has erected a pair of signs in Fargo honoring local hero Roger Maris, whose record 61 home runs in 1961 have long been clouded with an asterisk.
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune, February 5, 2010
Take that, Mark McGwire. And, for that matter, Babe Ruth, too. A North Dakota billboard company has erected a pair of signs in Fargo honoring local hero Roger Maris, whose record 61 home runs in 1961 have long been clouded with an asterisk.
Because he clubbed the homers in more games than Babe Ruth's record 60, the baseball Hall of Fame has never recognized his feat, much less admitted him to Cooperstown. And the "61 in '61" (his epitaph in a Fargo cemetery) accomplishment
was eclipsed in 1998 when McGwire hit 70 dingers.
Owners of Newman Outdoor Advertising decided to rectify what they see as a historical disservice to Maris, a Hibbing native who died in 1985. "He's our boy -- Fargo's golden boy," said company executive Russ Newman, who got to know Maris in the
early 1980s "and became really enamored of him. He was such a gentleman." The billboards feature a picture of Maris during his days as a New York Yankee and the slogan, "Fargo's Maris 'Legitimate' Home Run King." Newman said he decided to
erect the billboards in the wake of McGwire's recent admission that he used steroids during his home run binge. "With all these players coming out of the closet about steroids, when McGwire admitted it, it really pushed me over the edge to do this," he
said. Newman, son of the firm's owner, hopes the billboards will serve as a kind of public lobbying campaign to get Maris into the Hall of Fame. Some national attention wouldn't hurt, either, he added. "We haven't given up hope on the Hall of Fame," he
said. Maris, famously troubled during and after his home run feat, already has been honored in Fargo, where he grew up. The Roger Maris Museum at a Fargo shopping mall is a "permanent shrine to a reluctant hero" and features artifacts from his
career. In addition, at North Dakota State University's ballfield, Maris' Number 8, dating from his stint with the Fargo-Moorhead Twins in the 1950s, has been retired. And in 2005, the North Dakota Legislature passed a resolution stating that baseball
could start cleaning up its image by electing Maris to Cooperstown. Newman said more billboards may be in the offing, with more pointed messages, along the lines of "who really belongs in the Hall of Fame?"
| 1962 Jell-O #6 Roger Maris 1962 Post #6 Roger Maris (Cereal box version) 1962 Post Canadian #6 Roger Maris (1 of 3 versions) |
After the historic 1961 season, Roger Maris baseball cards became extremely popular. In 1962 both Jell-O and Post Cereal (both here and in Canada) issued cards on their respective packages. Included of course was Roger Maris. The 1962 Jell-O
cards (above left) were issued in the mid-west only; hence they are very scarce in any condition. The Post Cereal cards issued in the U.S. (above center) are easy to find and there are basically two versions- Hand cut from the cereal box or the 2-card
advertising panel (including Mickey Mantle) that was issued in LIFE Magazine. These were printed on different card stock and were intended to be separated on the perforations and used to start your collection of 200 baseball players. The Post Cereal
cards issued in LIFE Magazine also have "Post" advertising on the card backs, and the fronts have no blue lines in-between the stats area. Scarcer are the 1962 Post Canadian cards (above right). These came in two forms (cereal box and perforated)
and there are 3 different variations of the Maris card, all involving French text differences. Version #6(a) has a large "P" in "Pour," #6(b) has "Residence" and a small "p" in "pour," and #6(c) has "a" instead of "Residence" and also a small "p" in "pour."
The above example is version #6(a). While you can find all of the above cards, the real challenge is finding them in nice shape, especially the Jell-O cards. This is because they were issued one card per box and they took up nearly the entire back of a
Jell-O box. As most of these cards are found "hand cut" by kids, you figure that finding well cut examples presents a real challenge. So don't expect to find a 1962 Jell-O #6 Roger Maris (or any Jell-O card for that matter) in high grade any time soon.
The 1962 Post Cereal #6 Roger Maris cards are quite easy to find in nice shape, high grade even. As such, they are very affordable listing for about $25 in ungraded NM condition. This is perhaps the best deal on a vintage Roger Maris baseball card
out there. The card issued in LIFE Magazine is easier to find in high grades, the hand cut cereal box version a bit tougher. The Post Canadian #6 Roger Maris is scarce because obviously they were issued in Canada, and while they are scarce you can
still find some nice examples out there. The 1962 Jell-O cards are RARE in high grades. Most you find cut short on one edge or more. Regardless, you can't go wrong with any of these great Maris cards!
cards (above left) were issued in the mid-west only; hence they are very scarce in any condition. The Post Cereal cards issued in the U.S. (above center) are easy to find and there are basically two versions- Hand cut from the cereal box or the 2-card
advertising panel (including Mickey Mantle) that was issued in LIFE Magazine. These were printed on different card stock and were intended to be separated on the perforations and used to start your collection of 200 baseball players. The Post Cereal
cards issued in LIFE Magazine also have "Post" advertising on the card backs, and the fronts have no blue lines in-between the stats area. Scarcer are the 1962 Post Canadian cards (above right). These came in two forms (cereal box and perforated)
and there are 3 different variations of the Maris card, all involving French text differences. Version #6(a) has a large "P" in "Pour," #6(b) has "Residence" and a small "p" in "pour," and #6(c) has "a" instead of "Residence" and also a small "p" in "pour."
The above example is version #6(a). While you can find all of the above cards, the real challenge is finding them in nice shape, especially the Jell-O cards. This is because they were issued one card per box and they took up nearly the entire back of a
Jell-O box. As most of these cards are found "hand cut" by kids, you figure that finding well cut examples presents a real challenge. So don't expect to find a 1962 Jell-O #6 Roger Maris (or any Jell-O card for that matter) in high grade any time soon.
The 1962 Post Cereal #6 Roger Maris cards are quite easy to find in nice shape, high grade even. As such, they are very affordable listing for about $25 in ungraded NM condition. This is perhaps the best deal on a vintage Roger Maris baseball card
out there. The card issued in LIFE Magazine is easier to find in high grades, the hand cut cereal box version a bit tougher. The Post Canadian #6 Roger Maris is scarce because obviously they were issued in Canada, and while they are scarce you can
still find some nice examples out there. The 1962 Jell-O cards are RARE in high grades. Most you find cut short on one edge or more. Regardless, you can't go wrong with any of these great Maris cards!
Roger Maris Photo Gallery
(Click on image to enlarge)
(Click on image to enlarge)
1959 Armour Franks Kansas City Athletics Roger Maris ("Make A Hit!" version)
I recently saw this 1959 Armour Franks K.C. Athletics Roger Maris paper issue on eBay. While the photo is the same as in one of the above examples (near the top of this page), what is different is the text. It
reads "MAKE A HIT! Always Serve Armour Franks." Being that this mentions Armour Franks, instead of Amour Bacon," maybe this example should be recognized as a separate (but similar) issue. According to the
seller, this example was obtained from the estate of a former Armour Executive that lived in Kansas City. Pretty steep price tag: $2500 or "Best Offer." That is a very expensive Roger Maris piece; but extremely rare.
Thought you might like to see it.
reads "MAKE A HIT! Always Serve Armour Franks." Being that this mentions Armour Franks, instead of Amour Bacon," maybe this example should be recognized as a separate (but similar) issue. According to the
seller, this example was obtained from the estate of a former Armour Executive that lived in Kansas City. Pretty steep price tag: $2500 or "Best Offer." That is a very expensive Roger Maris piece; but extremely rare.
Thought you might like to see it.
1965 Old London Coins Roger Maris
1957 Sohio Gas Cleveland Indians Photo Album 1957 Sohio Gas Indians Roger Maris
In 1957 Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) issued a set of both Major League clubs, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians. These large size cards were issued in 3-card panels (cards were perforated for easy separation) and were
intended to be pasted into a team album (also provided by Sohio Gas). Included in the Indians set is an early Roger Maris card (above right), which pre-dates his 1958 Topps Rookie Card. These unnumbered cards have a facsimile autograph
on the card fronts. The backs are blank. Often you find these cards pasted in the albums with either glue or tape, but you can still find unused albums and cards. Also included in the Indians set is Rocky Colavito (his Topps Rookie Card was
also issued in 1957) and a young phenom pitcher by the name of Herb Score. Great set and fairly affordable; I just picked up an unused album (probably VG) and 9 cards (EX) including Maris for $40.
intended to be pasted into a team album (also provided by Sohio Gas). Included in the Indians set is an early Roger Maris card (above right), which pre-dates his 1958 Topps Rookie Card. These unnumbered cards have a facsimile autograph
on the card fronts. The backs are blank. Often you find these cards pasted in the albums with either glue or tape, but you can still find unused albums and cards. Also included in the Indians set is Rocky Colavito (his Topps Rookie Card was
also issued in 1957) and a young phenom pitcher by the name of Herb Score. Great set and fairly affordable; I just picked up an unused album (probably VG) and 9 cards (EX) including Maris for $40.
1960's Sport Pics Roger Maris tees off for record-breaking 61st home run
1958 Indians Team Issue Roger Maris
Roger Maris McFarlane (loose figure) Kenner Starting Lineup Roger Maris (loose figure)
Roger Maris Prayer card (front view) (Back view)
You can usually find a Roger Maris Funeral Program on eBay; you may find this ghoulish, but on the contrary Roger Maris was well loved, not only by his family but by his friends and fans. I am always interested in
ANYTHING that is Roger Maris related. So I get an email from someone who had seen this ROGER MARIS PAGE and he has this Prayer card (see above). So we did some negotiating and I think we worked out a fair deal
for this fairly scarce piece. I think it has a nice home here on the Roger Maris Page! (Card courtesy of Shawn Strand)
ANYTHING that is Roger Maris related. So I get an email from someone who had seen this ROGER MARIS PAGE and he has this Prayer card (see above). So we did some negotiating and I think we worked out a fair deal
for this fairly scarce piece. I think it has a nice home here on the Roger Maris Page! (Card courtesy of Shawn Strand)
Baseball Stadiums would often sell player packages of photos and the Cleveland Indians were no exception in the 1950's. Most are catalogued in the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards but for some reason they are not
listed for 1958. However I recently acquired this example, which I believe is a 1958 Cleveland Indians Roger Maris from a photo pack. It is the same size (approximately 6" x 9") as previously listed team issued photos. What's cool about it
is that this is the same year as Maris' rookie card (1958 Topps #47). Even better was the price; I paid less than ten bucks for this early Maris issue!
listed for 1958. However I recently acquired this example, which I believe is a 1958 Cleveland Indians Roger Maris from a photo pack. It is the same size (approximately 6" x 9") as previously listed team issued photos. What's cool about it
is that this is the same year as Maris' rookie card (1958 Topps #47). Even better was the price; I paid less than ten bucks for this early Maris issue!
1959 Armour Bacon Kansas City Athletics Roger Maris (hands on knees pose) Courtesy of Larry Stauss 1959 Armour Bacon Roger Maris (photo to waist pose) Courtesy of Jon Craig
1961 7-11 #25 Roger Maris
| 1961 Topps Stamp Panels Roger Maris, Ray Semproch 1962 Topps Baseball Bucks Roger Maris |
1968 Atlantic Oil #7-N Roger Maris
1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris
1969 Topps #164 1968 World Series Gm 3
(McCarver's HR with Roger Maris, Lou Brock)
(McCarver's HR with Roger Maris, Lou Brock)
1962 "Safe at Home!" 1-Sheet Movie Poster (Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris)
To capitalize on the popularity of the "M & M Boys," Columbia Pictures released a motion picture called "Safe at Home!" starring both Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris as themselves. The story involves this kid
who somehow gets to meet the two sluggers. The movie may not have been very good story-wise, but just seeing Mantle and Maris on the big screen must have been a thrill. Remember this was way before ESPN and
constant media coverage of sports and sports figures. The only way to see Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris was to either go to a ball park, see them on an ancient (mostly black & white) television set (pre-cable and
satellite), or see a grainy black and white image of them in the newspaper "Sports" section. You might have even collected baseball bubble gum cards and every year Topps would produce a nice color image of your
favorite heroes. So this movie must have been right popular with the kids. Today, any vintage collectibles from the "Safe at Home" movie are highly prized and valuable. The above original 1-sheet movie poster has a
$1600 price tag! (eBay, 2010).
who somehow gets to meet the two sluggers. The movie may not have been very good story-wise, but just seeing Mantle and Maris on the big screen must have been a thrill. Remember this was way before ESPN and
constant media coverage of sports and sports figures. The only way to see Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris was to either go to a ball park, see them on an ancient (mostly black & white) television set (pre-cable and
satellite), or see a grainy black and white image of them in the newspaper "Sports" section. You might have even collected baseball bubble gum cards and every year Topps would produce a nice color image of your
favorite heroes. So this movie must have been right popular with the kids. Today, any vintage collectibles from the "Safe at Home" movie are highly prized and valuable. The above original 1-sheet movie poster has a
$1600 price tag! (eBay, 2010).
Oct. 1, 1961 Yankee Stadium Ticket stub
This a newer Roger Maris collectible, from McFarlane (above left). Sports statues and figurines are very popular, starting with Hartland Plastics, Transogram, Starting Lineups and now McFarlane. McFarlane figures are
highly detailed and are an obvious improvement over Starting Lineup figures (above right). McFarlane has done a few Roger Maris pieces including different uniforms (both home and away) and teams (Yankees and
Cardinals). There was also a Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris special boxed set that came out (the above figure may have come from one of those sets). I am not too familiar with collecting sports figures but I think these
McFarlane pieces are fantastic. These are not terribly expensive either. You can find them on eBay and other websites. The Starting Lineup figures are even cheaper.
highly detailed and are an obvious improvement over Starting Lineup figures (above right). McFarlane has done a few Roger Maris pieces including different uniforms (both home and away) and teams (Yankees and
Cardinals). There was also a Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris special boxed set that came out (the above figure may have come from one of those sets). I am not too familiar with collecting sports figures but I think these
McFarlane pieces are fantastic. These are not terribly expensive either. You can find them on eBay and other websites. The Starting Lineup figures are even cheaper.
1958 Cleveland Indians Photo Pack? Team Issue Roger Maris
1958 Topps Vault Roger Maris photograph 1964 Topps Vault Roger Maris photo 1967 Topps Vault Roger Maris photograph
(Image used for Maris' 1964 Topps card #225)
(Image used for Maris' 1964 Topps card #225)
In 1961, after Maris had hit his historic 61st home run, Sam Gordon inked Maris to a special promotion at one of his restaurants. The promotion was the presenting of the 61st HR ball to Maris by Sam Gordon.
Of course it was a lot of hype but it probably did well for Sam's Restaurants. Special postcards were printed that commemorated the event. These were probably sold (likely) or given out (unlikely) at Sam's
Restaurants as well. They are highly collectible today. The example to the right had a $80 price tag on it; I saw it recently on eBay. I also saw one that wasn't slabbed for around $60. Fairly tough Maris issue.
Of course it was a lot of hype but it probably did well for Sam's Restaurants. Special postcards were printed that commemorated the event. These were probably sold (likely) or given out (unlikely) at Sam's
Restaurants as well. They are highly collectible today. The example to the right had a $80 price tag on it; I saw it recently on eBay. I also saw one that wasn't slabbed for around $60. Fairly tough Maris issue.
1961 Sam's Restaurants Roger Maris Postcard
1967 Topps #45 Roger Maris 1967 Venezuela Topps #328 Roger Maris (Back view)
This is one of the toughest Maris cards out there; it is still on my want list. Venezuela Topps cards were produced in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968. Maris was included in the '62, '64, '66, '67 & '68 Venezuela Topps issues.
That is five very tough Roger Maris cards to find in ANY condition. For me, this 1967 Venezuela Topps #328 Roger Maris card (center) is the toughest one. I don't know why. I have all the others. Note the front is identical to the regular
Topps cards (note the crudeness of the printing compared to the regular Topps card; left), but the back (right) is completely different. The card number is different and the text is in Spanish with no statistics or cartoon like the regular Topps card. This
example is a very high grade for the issue. Most were pasted into scrapbooks or albums as intended. It is very common to find these in lower grades (Poor to VG). Many show evidence of having been pasted or glued. The above example is not
miscut ("MC") as the PSA label shows. The '67 Venezuela cards have little if any borders compared to the regular Topps cards; this is a high grade example.
That is five very tough Roger Maris cards to find in ANY condition. For me, this 1967 Venezuela Topps #328 Roger Maris card (center) is the toughest one. I don't know why. I have all the others. Note the front is identical to the regular
Topps cards (note the crudeness of the printing compared to the regular Topps card; left), but the back (right) is completely different. The card number is different and the text is in Spanish with no statistics or cartoon like the regular Topps card. This
example is a very high grade for the issue. Most were pasted into scrapbooks or albums as intended. It is very common to find these in lower grades (Poor to VG). Many show evidence of having been pasted or glued. The above example is not
miscut ("MC") as the PSA label shows. The '67 Venezuela cards have little if any borders compared to the regular Topps cards; this is a high grade example.
1967 O-Pee-Chee #45 Roger Maris (Back view)
If you are an "Advanced" Roger Maris collector, you are going to need no less than 4 different 1967 cards. First you need the regular Topps #45 Roger Maris card. You will also need the 1967 Venezuela Topps #328 Roger Maris, 1967
Topps blank back "Proof" Roger Maris ("YANKEES" on front), and this 1967 O Pee Chee #45 Roger Maris. "O Pee Chee" cards are basically Topps cards printed in Canada. Note the "T.C.G. (Topps Chewing Gum copyright) Printed In
Canada." Topps had these printed for the Canadian market. The regular Topps card will have "Printed in the U.S.A." The O-Pee-Chee cards were printed in lesser quantities than the regular Topps cards so they are harder to find than the
Topps cards. So expect to pay a premium for any O-Pee-Chee Maris cards. The 1967 Topps Maris "Proof" cards were hand cut from an uncut sheet and are rare, as are the Venezuela Topps cards. If you can find them, expect to pay a pretty
price for them. I have seen the Proof card on eBay sell for over $1000 and I have yet to get my hands on the 1967 Venezuela Topps Maris (#$%^%!).
Topps blank back "Proof" Roger Maris ("YANKEES" on front), and this 1967 O Pee Chee #45 Roger Maris. "O Pee Chee" cards are basically Topps cards printed in Canada. Note the "T.C.G. (Topps Chewing Gum copyright) Printed In
Canada." Topps had these printed for the Canadian market. The regular Topps card will have "Printed in the U.S.A." The O-Pee-Chee cards were printed in lesser quantities than the regular Topps cards so they are harder to find than the
Topps cards. So expect to pay a premium for any O-Pee-Chee Maris cards. The 1967 Topps Maris "Proof" cards were hand cut from an uncut sheet and are rare, as are the Venezuela Topps cards. If you can find them, expect to pay a pretty
price for them. I have seen the Proof card on eBay sell for over $1000 and I have yet to get my hands on the 1967 Venezuela Topps Maris (#$%^%!).
