Roger Maris: Baseball's Reluctant Hero

by Tom Clavin, Danny Peary

The definitive biography of the baseball legend who broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home-run record—the natural way—and withstood a firestorm of media criticism to become one of his era’s preeminent players.

ROGER MARIS may be the greatest ballplayer no one really knows. In 1961, the soft-spoken man from the frozen plains of North Dakota enjoyed one of the most amazing seasons in baseball history, when he outslugged his teammate Mickey Mantle to become the game’s natural home-run king. It was Mantle himself who said, "Roger was as good a man and as good a ballplayer as there ever was." Yet Maris was vilified by fans and the press and has never received his due from biographers—until now.

Tom Clavin and Danny Peary trace the dramatic arc of Maris’s life, from his boyhood in Fargo through his early pro career in the Cleveland Indians farm program, to his World Series championship years in New York and beyond. At the center is the exciting story of the 1961 season and the ordeal Maris endured as an outsider in Yankee pinstripes, unloved by fans who compared him unfavorably to their heroes Ruth and Mantle, relentlessly attacked by an aggressive press corps who found him cold and inaccessible, and treated miserably by the organization. After the tremendous challenge of breaking Ruth’s record was behind him, Maris ultimately regained his love of baseball as a member of the world champion St. Louis Cardinals. And over time, he gained redemption in the eyes of the Yankee faithful.

With research drawn from more than 130 interviews with Maris’s teammates, opponents, family, and friends, as well as 16 pages of photos, some of which have never before been seen, this timely and poignant biography sheds light on an iconic figure from baseball’s golden era—and establishes the importance of his role in the game’s history.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Tom Clavin is the author/coauthor of eleven books. His most recent is That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas.

His articles have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Men's Journal, Parade, Reader's Digest, and others.

He was a contributing reporter for the New York Times for fifteen years.

Reviews

[Randell Carlton Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many biographies the book began slow, discussing his family tree and background. However, the book did pick up once Roger’s seasons in the bigs were highlighted. Under appreciated athlete and solid biography. ⚾️⚾️⚾️

[Tom Gase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good book on one of the most misunderstood men in baseball history, Roger Maris. Maris broke the single season record of home runs with 61 in 1961, but what most people forget is that he wasn't a one-year wonder. He also won the 1960 MVP and has solid years in 1962 and 63. He was a true winner as well, having played in 7 World Series in just over 10 years.
I liked this book because even though its main focus was the 1961 season, it told a lot about his other years as well. I had forgotten he had played the last two years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and been a big factor of two-pennant winning teams.Maris seemed like a really good person that cared about his family a lot and not the shining bright lights of NY. His 61' season came as the media was changing as well and this affected his life as well. It was also interesting to find out that a lot of things in Billy Crystal's *61 film was inaccurate.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was it starts very slow. The first few chapters on his family before him was hard to follow and I believe a little overdone. Other than that, a very good read.

[Andy Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read for a baseball history junkie. A largely sympathetic biography that addressed how the media and fans treated Maris unfairly during the 1961 season when he hit 61 homers, though the book also acknowledges how Maris often made things worse by how he reacted.

A few things stand out; his genuine friendship with Mickey Mantle, his redemption and renewed enjoyment of the game after being traded to the St Louis Cardinals, his committment to his wife and children, and his whacky mom and dad whose upbringing may have contributed to some of Maris's issues.

This year I also read biographies of Willie Mays and Henry Aaron. The difference is that I would recommend those books to a non baseball fan as they were more than simply baseball books, the appeal to the Maris biography is limited to a study of "a baseball life"

[Shay Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an absolutely stellar portrait of Yankee and Cardinal star of the 1960's, Roger Maris. Famous for hitting a record 61 home runs in 1961, Roger Maris was a shy, supremely skilled, self-effacing man from Fargo, North Dakota who performed his epic feat in the media limelight of New York City while playing for the most famous team in all of professional sports. He endured a hostile press who wanted a swaggering, quotable superstar, and hostile fans who didn't want anyone to break Babe Ruth's hallowed record. Fortunately, time and perspective worked to bring this hard-working family man the admiration he deserved and that he didn't receive at the time. A marvelous book, highly recommended. A final note: I was 6 years old when Maris broke the home run record, and I would have been flabbergasted that anyone would not think that Roger Maris was the greatest. This book shows why he truly was.

[carl theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

61 in ’61 is there a better or more well known sports related alliteration ? Roger Maris achieved the unthinkable, for baseball fans, in 1961, hitting 61 baseballs out of the park, besting the once thought unbreakable Babe Ruth’s 60.

“Baseball’s Reluctant Hero” performs a thorough job of giving us the story of Roger from Minnesota to North Dakota to the Big Apple where he met his fate, and then onto St. Louis.

You’ll need a scorecard to get through the first few chapters as the authors spend some time on the Maris family tree. After that though, it’s onto fun as the baseball begins.

Authors Clavin and Peary debunk all the myths that surround Maris, such as he was a 1 year wonder, (he did win 2 MVP awards), not a good hitter as he didn’t have a .300 average, that Mantle and he didn’t get along, that he was irascible, that he wasn’t a ‘real’ Yankee, the list goes on.

How did these myths get started? Sportswriters who felt the beloved Babe should remain the standard. Many of these writers, and fans, were around when the Babe was playing, so there was natural resentment one may feel with ‘their guy’, however may sports writers perpetuated personal attacks on Maris.

As a person Roger was all we hope for these days in our sports heroes, hard working, middle of America, middle class, all around family man.

The attitude and lack of ethics of several well known sportswriters who influenced a nation, certainly makes one wonder about what we feel about contemporary bad boys, Alex Rodriquez (also labeled not a ‘real’ Yankee), Mark McGuire, Sosa, Bond, and a host of other enhancement drug users. Sure we ‘know’ they are all guilty, but it makes you wonder what we’ll learn in 20 years about them?

This tale takes you right along with Roger’s growth as a ballplayer, and of course, the season he is remembered for, who was rooting for him, and who wasn’t. The anxiety of a crush of writers asking you the same questions everyday for months!

Take a step back to the early 1960s when baseball was still the nation’s past time, the Yankees were the team to beat and a boy from the middle of the corn fields made news that everyone talked about.

[Tim Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading it, and it was very touching in the final few chapters....in the middle, the record, the problems with the media and such it got very bogged down, and at times was boring, but by the closing chapters, it was a read well worth it.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “FROM MARAS TO MARIS… FROM HIBBING,MN TO *SIXTY-ONE* HOME –RUNS”
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Roger Maras (pronounced like Morris) was born in Hibbing, Minnesota. His parents Rudy Sr. and Connie never got along and Connie created nothing but problems within the entire Maras family. Connie was a good looking woman whose infidelity and dislike of other Marases is believed to have been the main reason Roger’s family moved to Fargo, North Dakota and later changed their name. The bad blood left behind in Hibbing (also the birth place of Bob Dylan and Kevin McHale) is the reason Roger tried to lead the public to believe he had been born in Fargo. Roger’s older brother Rudy Jr. like Roger was a gifted athlete and together they lead their high school football team to the top of the state rankings. Roger even got a scholarship offer and started to attend national powerhouse University of Oklahoma. After high school Rudy Jr. got polio and for the rest of Roger’s life he always felt… and told everyone he met… that Rudy Jr. was a better ballplayer than he was. Even when he became a record breaking New York Yankee he would tell that to his teammates.

As the story follows Roger’s professional baseball career from the minor leagues to his numerous stops in the major leagues including Cleveland, Kansas City, New York and St. Louis… one thing about Roger becomes apparent very early… if he believes in something… or wants something… he’s going to get his way or there will be trouble. Right from the get go he threatened not to play for certain teams if he didn’t get enough playing time… in the days before agents… he got what he wanted in a contract or he would literally rip it up and mail it back. Despite his temperament towards management he was always admired by his teammates. He always gave one-hundred-per-cent… played through injuries… and became famous for using his football talents on the base paths… breaking up double plays and knocking over catchers. What most fans will anticipate reading about in this book of course is Roger’s time with the Yankees… and especially the infamous and historic 1961 when he chased the ghost of the most storied player in history… and approached the most hallowed record in all of sports… the Babe’s sixty home runs in one season 1927. (He would hit sixty-one… but not in the 154 game schedule as Ruth did… but in the expanded schedule of 162 plus 1 tie totaling 163 games.) Being that I was a very young, fanatical, child baseball fan during those years… even at that age… I remember that along with the numerical countdown of homeruns… the world was also discussing the mental anguish… the stress… the human toll… on this young man. (My gosh… Maris only turned twenty-seven-years-old that year.) In addition to reporters everywhere he went… despite the fact that he was hitting all these home runs for the Yankees… many Yankee fans were against him. Actually booing him. Why? Because first of all he wasn’t Mickey Mantle a career Yankee… and he wasn’t Babe Ruth. Roger was above and beyond everything else… a small town boy who didn’t like the glare of the biggest city in the world… even before he started hitting home runs in record numbers. Later on in his career he said: “IF I COULD MAKE MORE MONEY DOWN IN THE ZINC MINES. I’D BE MINING ZINC.”

The most finely crafted part of this book is the way the authors slowly and methodically… relentlessly… as assuredly… as the waves of the ocean continue to pound the shore… present the facts… of how shy, young, Maris is engulfed more and more… every single day… by the not so adoring public and media representatives. I of course… already knew from living through it almost fifty-years ago that Roger started losing his hair in clumps due to the unimaginable stress… but when the culmination of this physical and mental vise… creates what is first thought of as a bad haircut… but then is recognized for what it is… the reader… whether you already knew it or not… will genuinely feel empathy for Roger Maris.

Physically and mentally Roger would never be the same. The average baseball fan will only remember Roger for this year (1961). Other fans will remember other championships including one quietly (after New York) won in St. Louis. The real lingering effect of this book will be to educate fans that didn’t really know… that Maris was respected by all his teammates… always gave one-hundred-per-cent… played hurt… came into second base and home plate like an all-state football player… was a great fielder… was one of the fastest runners in baseball… only had a .260 lifetime batting average… loved his family… AND DIDN’T HAVE A BAD HAIRCUT… he was dying from the inside out.

[Marty Monforte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Roger Maris: Baseball’s Reluctant Hero” is a biography about Roger Maris, the former baseball player who hit 61 home runs in 1961 as he broke the record previously set by Babe Ruth, who had hit 60 home runs in a season. The book covers Maris’ upbringing; his minor and major league careers; and some of the most important details of his life. It’s a well written and well researched book, which features many quotes from teammates; opponents and others. It’s a balanced and informative book about one of the seminal figures in baseball history.

The book successfully captures the strong character of Maris and his family. It also effectively portrays the humility of Maris, who was uncomfortable with the fame and attention he received as a Major League Baseball player who broke the single season home run record. Humility and the desire to put the team ahead of himself were defining features of Maris’ character and personality. It may have been due to how he was raised and his basic nature.

The authors capture the excitement and the energy of the Maris’ 61st home run. The authors present Maris’ perspective; his wife’s response; the reaction of the Boston Red Sox players in the dugout and the call on the radio by broadcaster and hall of fame player Phil Rizzuto. This is one of the highlights of the book. The author covered the moment in a balanced manner, which avoided overstating the moment, but gave the accomplishment sufficient credit. As one reads the description of the home run, it is easy to imagine being there in the stadium experiencing the moment.

After the record breaking accomplishment, the Yankees played the Cincinnati Reds in the 1961 World Series. So, the team and Maris did not have much time to savor the moment. Maris hit a home run in game three of the series that turned out to be the winning run of game three. The Yankees won the World Series 4-1. According to the authors, manager Ralph Houk became the third manager to win the World Series in his first year as manager. Additionally, Maris received his second straight regular season MVP award.

Maris was traded to the St.Louis Cardinals, and the fans in St.Louis truly appreciated him and rooted for him to do well. He hit fewer home runs as a Cardinal, but the fans appreciated his hustle and his effort. While with the Cardinals, Maris received a lot of mail from Cardinals’ fans. During this time, Orlando Cepeda, one of Maris’ teammates nicknamed the Cardinals the “El Birdos.” This particular Cardinals’ team had a lot of camaraderie. During this time, the other Cardinal players noticed what good parents Roger and his wife Pat were.

Eventually, after he retired, Maris returned to Yankee stadium for “Old Timers’ Day”. He received a standing ovation at a game in 1977 as he joined Mickey Mantle to throw the opening pitch at a baseball game. The event reminded many what a memorable season 1961 was as Maris broke the record for home runs with 61, and Mantle hit 54 round trippers.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the history of the New York Yankees or Major League Baseball. As stated earlier, the book was well written and well researched, as it featured many good quotes from Maris’ teammates and contemporaries. It presents a good and informative picture of one of the most important baseball players of the 1960’s.

[Ken Heard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of the man best known for beating Babe Ruth's single season home run record, but who was also a great fielder and player, although besieged by injuries late in his career.

Tom Clavin found the heart of Roger Maris, noting how he was pretty humble as he grew up, yet proud of his skills. From Missouri, Maris seemed the happiest when he played with Kansas City and St. Louis. While in New York, the mecca of baseball during his era (and for most other eras, too), Maris found out about the media during his chase of Ruth's hallowed record.

I think Clavin showed how poorly Maris was treated during that 1961 season, both by baseball's commissioner and the team itself. Fast forward 37 years later and remember how Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were treated when they were chasing Maris' mark. It was totally different, making the two into almost cartoon, circus characters. The teams held daily press conferences prior to the games and shielded them from reporters after … nothing like what Maris had to go through.

But, the book wasn't just about the 1961 season. Clavin showed how misunderstood Maris was when responding angrily to reporters who had hounded him. When Maris was traded to St. Louis, Clavin noted the change in Maris' personality. He was happy playing baseball again.

This is a well-reported, well-documented book that includes a lot of game action. One of the more neat things, I thought, that Clavin added was about Maris' number one fan: Andy Strasberg. When Maris was traded to St. Louis, one of his first games on the field was when the Cardinals played in Pittsburgh. Strasberg, who lived in New York, drove to the game to see Maris, getting seats in the outfield. Maris hit his first National League home run in that game and .. Strasberg actually caught it in the stands.

The ending, as all biographies, was sad. And, after learning more about the misunderstood Maris,it made me want to hop in the car once this dang virus is over and drive the 825 miles to Fargo, N.D., to see the Maris museum.

[Anup Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and came away with more understanding of and appreciation for Roger Maris.

I wasn’t so sure at the beginning of the book. The background narrative for Maris’s ancestry was rough. There was a lot of well researched information, but it was poorly conveyed. I admittedly skimmed through a lot of the detail, but enjoyed it more once Roger was born and growing up. The chapters of his career and aftermath were all excellent.

As with any good athlete bio, Clavin and Peary do a stellar job putting you in the era and educating the reader on the numerous other famous characters who rubbed shoulders with Roger Maris.

As a gigantic baseball fan, I always had an interest in Maris but it was inspired further by a recent visit to his hometown in Fargo, North Dakota. He is a compelling person and an inspiring one.

[Luke Koran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Roger Maris and 61 home runs are synonymous, but if you think all there is to the life and legacy of Rog is his historic 1961 season, you’ve got another thing coming. As with Billy Crystal’s 61* movie, the 2010 biography “Roger Maris: Baseball's Reluctant Hero” serves up a new, heartening perspective of North Dakota’s most famous athlete. I admit, the first 2 chapters concerning the Maras genealogy is grueling to push through, but what follows is a simple joy to witness. Though I am not in the Roger-Maris-deserves-the-Hall-of-Fame camp, I recognize, now more than ever, how good of a player and a person Maris was, and appreciate how his legacy has only improved with time - in large thanks to people like George Steinbrenner, Billy Crystal, Tom Clavin and Danny Peary .

[Michele Owrutzky Endick · Rating 3 out of 5]

As many other readers have said in the reviews, the beginning was tedious as the authors went into minute detail about his huge family tree , all with similar names. This was a true turnoff to continuing to read the book....I came back to it a few days later, skimmed some chapters, read in full detail others. Being a huge Yankee fan in the late 60s onward, I found some of the info very interesting...thus the later chapters almost made up for the slow, tedious start, but not quite!! Thus the 3 stars....would give it 3.5 but not 4! However, glad I read it, Maris has to be given credit not only for his baseball accomplishments but for continuing his passion ...baseball..despite the booing, etc. Seems to have been a real family man too!

[Joe Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a thoroughly researched piece about a complex and misunderstood athlete. Roger Maris' story was portrayed in the Billy Crystal movie "61*" and I was interested in a deep dive into his character. There is so much detail into Maris' personal, family and professional life that, unless you are a person with a keen interest in Maris' career, you might find it a hard book to finish. As it was, it took me over a month to complete which much slower than my normal reading pace of 1.6 books per month. A pedantic read but well worth it for those with a keen interest.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of a very gifted baseball player, who defied all odds and broke the most sacred record in all of baseball, Babe Ruths's 60 home run mark. There was an ugly price to be paid but Roger Maris not only battled the ugly NY fans but it's disgusting press as well. Roger was a ballplayer, he did the right things on both sides of the field. What a gutsy performance but his support from his beloved wife Pat and his teammates was truly a spectacle in sports that may never be seen again.

[Kosar7480 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, brisk moving biography of a forgotten and often overshadowed baseball great. Learned a lot about Maris and his career, besides his home run record. Unbelievable how badly the press maligned his name and reputation. The family tree in the early chapters was a little convoluted and hard to follow, but not enough to detract from the overall book.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straight-forward biography, chronological, told old-style. It is obvious that the writers admire their subject. In light of the hoopla in baseball regarding performance enhancing drugs, a second look at Maris' career is not a bad thing.

[Melissa Loucks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about Roger Maris when I started this book. After reading it I realize he was a very unappreciated player. I wish more of the book had been more about his career with the Yankees instead than his extended family.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If can get through the first 30 pages or so about the "Maras" family, the rest of the book is an enjoyable read.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, brings back many memories

[PBNightmare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book lacks a strong narrative to tie together all the facts and anecdotes it throws at the reader.

[Jim Kulhawy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of a man who was greatly misunderstood, unfaily judged and, at times, poorly treated by the baseball establishment, its fans and the press. The book chronicles Maris' life, from humble beginings in Minnesota, to his passing and beyond. It sheds light on not just the ballplayer, but the misunderstood person who he was. Roger Maris was a not just a home run hitter, but a complete ballplayer, who gave 110% every game on the field. He played through the pain of injuries, the injustice done to him by the fans, the front offices and the press and was an all around great player who never really understood why he was special, or, more importantly, why he was disliked by some. What struck home most about Maris, was his devotion to his family and the fact that he stayed the same grounded, humble, considerate person,no matter the ongoings in his life. He led a life of quiet dignity that eminated from him to all around who considered him to be a great teammate and friend. The one thing that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars is the overly detailed begining, which delves into the history of the Maris family, dating back to the 1800's and gets very confusing and laboruous. That by no means should stop someone from reading this, especially with 2011 being the 50th anniversary of 61 in 61.

[Dale Stonehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

After all my years of following baseball, all the books I have read about the great Yankees teams of the 1960s, one would think there was nothing more to learn about the life and career of Roger Maris. That was not true as this well-researched book went so far beyond what I expected a 5-star rating does not do it justice.

From the Maras family's (only Roger's parents changed the spelling over some family quarrel, allegedly) Croatian roots to early-20th century beginnings on Minnesota's iron range, there are new revelations throughout. A recurring theme is the love and admiration Maris' baseball peers felt for his ability and his aw-shucks personality. Anyone who loved the Billy Crystal film 61* will adore this book.

[B Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roger broke the single season home run record 50 years ago and it may very well still be standing today if it had not been for the steroid pumped stats of Bonds, McGuire and Sosa. The sports writers of the day really gave Roger a bad rap, especially the New York writers and fans believed what they wrote so Roger never got the appreciation he deserved. He finally got some redemption in St Louis in his last two years as the NY team went into decline. Interesting that Mickey Mantle, the Yankee sport writers favorite son and supposed rival of Maris, turned out to be a true friend until the end. It's also amazing to see how the 1960's players were as compared to today's pampered overpaid spoiled players of today.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who sat in the bleachers at old Yankee Stadium in the early 1960s, I heard and saw the abuse "fans" heaped on Roger Maris. This biography of Maris not only describes the abuse Maris endured but analyzes its causes. I would have loved this book for its descriptions of baseball as it was in the 1960s, the players I idolized in those days, and the dramatic story of Maris and Mantle's race to break Babe Ruth's single season record. What I love most about the book is the three dimensional portrait of Maris and the time and attention paid to his life after the Yankees, and after baseball. Spoiler: It turns out Maris is a hero.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't be totally objective. He is one of my heroes. Came along at the wrong time in history, when media was evolving or devolving?? Ironic how those around resented his breaking Ruth's record, be careful what you wish for, huh? Look who they have now.. Sections that deal with playing career go to level of box scores and play by play too much for a biography in my opinion. I was happy to learn that at the end of his career and life, Maris was happy and content with his achievements, he deserved that much, and more.

[Amber’s Bookish Journal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great bio. I already knew a lot about Maris since he's one of my favorite past players but I felt I learned so much more about the man behind the record. The only thing that I was disappointed about was towards the end, the authors got a major fact wrong. They said the Yankee Stadium that closed in 08 was the same stadium Ruth had played in which isn't true. The new stadium that was built is the 3rd one. Being a huge Yankee fan, this fact was important to me and something I wish they double checked.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. If you grow up in North Dakota and are a baseball fan, Maris is high on your list of heroes. The movie 61* was a great story about this great man, but the book seemed even more accurate and told a lot more about him growing up in Grand Forks and Fargo. Great read, did lag a bit in going into his family tree, but overall an above average book, highly recommend to any baseball/Maris fans.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I adore Roger Maris, and it pretty much reiterated everything I thought about him. But I also go the added bonus of feeling like a champ for being a St Louis Cardinals fan, because the contrast in how he was treated from NYC to St Lou is so striking.

So, three stars for the writing style, and the fourth star for making the St Louis Cardinals and their fanbase heroes ;)

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only negative thing I can say is I wish that Roger had lived to provide some answers to the questions that the authors could only speculate on. I have always been a fan of his all around skill on the field and felt that he was truly underappreciated. What the NY Press did to him is a crime and all those "reporters" should be ashamed of their complicity in ruining Maris' love for the game.

[Douglas Graney · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're aware of all the press and fan abuse Maris had to put up with in his Yankee years you will not learn much knew information from this book. However the game-game review of 1961 is described effectively. For me the real value of this book was learning about his experiences with the Indians, A's and Cardinals. Maris was a good guy.