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Maris' 61 HRs: Record Shattered, Then Surpassed
17 Mar
Summary
- Roger Maris set a single-season home run record in 1961.
- His record of 61 home runs stood for 37 years.
- Aaron Judge surpassed Maris' record in 2022.

The 1961 baseball season witnessed Roger Maris challenge Babe Ruth's iconic 60-home run record. This chase ignited widespread interest, with many fans eagerly anticipating Maris' success while others supported teammate Mickey Mantle. However, the achievement also faced skepticism. MLB commissioner Ford Frick questioned the validity of a record set in a 162-game season compared to Ruth's 154-game mark.
Maris ultimately made history on October 1, 1961, hitting his 61st home run against the rival Red Sox at home. This record stood for an impressive 37 years. It wasn't until 2022 that Aaron Judge surpassed this mark, in an era that largely regards his achievement as untainted by performance-enhancing drugs.




