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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1961 ROGER MARIS

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The 1961 season was one of the most historic and memorable in Major League Baseball history thanks to Roger Maris and his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record. Naturally, Maris’s accomplishments that year are immortalized on his 1961 Topps baseball cards, some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards collectors seek.

Maris slugged a then-record 61 home runs in 1961 for the New York Yankees, eclipsing Ruth’s total of 60 set in 1927. This mammoth feat captured the attention of the entire nation and inserted Maris into the record books. Topps was quick to acknowledge Maris’s heroics with card #130 in the 1961 set.

The standard Maris card from that year depicts him in a Yankees road uniform, swinging a bat from the left side with “Roger Maris, Yankees” printed below. The design is fairly basic compared to cards today but was state-of-the-art for 1961. Topps only produced cards in black-and-white during this era before transitioning to color in the late 1960s.

In pristine mint condition, a 1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 card in a Gem Mint 10 grade can fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint examples in the 7-9 range will sell for $1,000 or more. This is a testament to how iconic and beloved these cards remain of one of the most legendary single-season performances in baseball history.

Beyond just the standard issue, Maris’s 1961 season was so monumental that Topps produced special parallel cards to further commemorate it. Among the most significant are the 1961 Topps Roger Maris home run leaders cards. As Maris closed in on and ultimately broke Ruth’s record, Topps inserted cards into packs tracking his home run total.

The first such card shows Maris with 33 home runs. Subsequent parallels then list his totals at 39, 47, 54, and finally 61 home runs. Each of these cards is exponentially more valuable than the standard issue. Mint 1961 Topps Maris home run leaders cards in the 8-10 range can sell for over $5,000 each due to their scarcity and direct tie to that unforgettable season.

Perhaps even more coveted are the ultra-rare 1961 Post Cereal Roger Maris cards. Post Cereal included these special oversized cards as mail-in premiums for cereal box tops. They depict a smiling Maris holding a bat with his stats and “61 Home Runs” printed boldly. In pristine condition, these promotional Roger Maris cards have sold at auction for over $25,000 due to their extreme rarity. Only an estimated 10-20 high grade examples are known to exist.

While 1961 was his signature season, Maris also received standard issue cards from Topps during his other years in the big leagues. His 1960 and 1962 Topps cards are also quite valuable, though understandably not on the same level as ’61. A near mint 1960 Maris in a PSA 8 holder can sell for around $500. His 1962 card in the same grade would go for roughly $300-400 given it was post-record season.

Maris played just 13 seasons in the majors from 1957-1971, suiting up for the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Athletics, and Yankees. While the 1961 season defined his career, he was a terrific all-around player. Maris batted .260 lifetime with 275 home runs and 897 RBIs. He made four All-Star teams and won the American League MVP award in 1960 when he led the league with 39 home runs and 112 RBI.

Tragically, Maris was plagued by injuries later in his career and ultimately succumbed to lymphoma in 1985 at age 51. His legacy and those iconic 1961 cards, though, live on in the memories of fans and collections of enthusiasts worldwide. No player better exemplifies the magic of baseball cards in preserving history and performance than Roger Maris. More than half a century later, his 1961 Topps and Post cards still hold tremendous value and fascination. They are true artifacts from one of the most unforgettable campaigns the national pastime has ever seen.

In summary, 1961 Roger Maris cards, especially those issued by Topps to commemorate his record-setting season, are among the most significant and valuable in the entire hobby. Mint examples regularly sell for thousands due to their direct ties to one of baseball’s most hallowed individual achievements. Maris’s story of perseverance and triumph that year is one that will continue to inspire for generations to come as preserved through his iconic vintage cardboard.

BASEBALL CARDS ROGER MARIS

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Roger Maris is one of the most iconic players in baseball history thanks to his single-season home run record of 61 home runs in 1961. Maris’ record-breaking season is one of the most memorable individual accomplishments in the sport. As a result, Maris’ baseball cards from his playing career are highly sought after by collectors.

Maris made his professional debut in 1957 with the Cleveland Indians organization and appeared in his first MLB game that season. His rookie card is considered one of the key cards from his collection period. The 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookie card is one of the most well-known and valuable baseball cards ever produced. In gem mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for over $200,000. Even low-grade copies in poor condition still fetch thousands due to the card’s significance.

The design of Maris’ 1957 Topps rookie is straightforward, featuring a solid dark blue background with his name and team name across the top. The photo shows Maris from his time in the Indians’ farm system before debuting in the majors. It was common for Topps to use minor league photos on rookie cards in the 1950s when players hadn’t accumulated MLB stats and photos yet. This makes the 1957 Topps Roger Maris one of the earliest documented cards of his career.

After being traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 1960 season, Maris’ cards from his seasons in pinstripes gained immense popularity and value. In 1960, Maris hit 39 home runs to finish fourth in the American League. His 1960 Topps card shows him in a Yankees uniform for the first time. High-grade examples with good centering currently sell for over $1,000.

Of course, Maris’ 1961 season where he broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record is the stuff of sports legend. After hitting his 61st homer on the final day of the season, Maris’ 1961 Topps card became one of the most iconic in the entire set. The photo captures Maris in mid-swing during his record-breaking year. Graded mint condition copies have reached astronomical prices upwards of $100,000 at auction. Even well-worn lower-grade copies still command thousands due to the historical significance of Maris’ 1961 campaign.

Beyond Topps, other card companies also produced memorable Roger Maris cards during this peak period. In 1960, the Fleer company issued their first modern baseball card set. Maris’ rookie card in the Fleer set that year is also highly valued today. Another standout is Maris’ card from the 1961 Post cereal issue, which was one of the earliest and most popular non-Topps baseball card releases. Both Maris’ 1960 Fleer and 1961 Post cards can sell for well over $1,000 in top condition.

After leaving the Yankees following the 1966 season, Maris continued playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians organizations. His cards from this later period in the 1960s hold value as well, though not quite on the level of his Yankees/home run record years. Still, graded mint copies of Maris’ cards from 1967 Topps, 1968 Topps, and 1970 Topps are worth hundreds to over $1,000 each. They document the tail end of the career of one of the game’s most acclaimed sluggers.

In retirement, Maris remained a revered figure in baseball history for what he accomplished in 1961. Tragically, Maris was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1982 and passed away at the young age of 51. His untimely death only added to his legend in the sport. To this day, Maris holds a hallowed place in the minds of fans and in the record books. As a result, his vintage baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s remain some of the most historically significant and valuable in the hobby. For collectors, owning a Maris rookie or one of his record-breaking Yankees cards is a true prize. Over 60 years later, Roger Maris’ single-season home run achievement and his iconic Topps cards from that 1961 season continue to captivate collectors and fans alike.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS

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Roger Maris was an American professional baseball right fielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees between 1957 and 1968. Maris is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961 by hitting 61 home runs for the Yankees in his record-setting season. The attention, controversy, and pressure surrounding Maris’ pursuit and breaking of Ruth’s long-standing record helped build his profile and made him one of the most well-known players of the 1960s. This fame and notoriety led to Maris being prominently featured on numerous baseball cards during his playing career with the Indians and Yankees.

Some of the earliest baseball cards to feature Roger Maris date back to his rookie season with the Cleveland Indians in 1957. That year, Maris was included in the 1957 Topps set, sporting his Cleveland uniform on card #424. The 1957 Topps card was Maris’ rookie card and the first card to bear his image. The card captured Maris early in his career before his trade to the Yankees and prior to his record-setting 1961 season. The 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookie card remains one of the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards from the 1950s, often fetching thousands of dollars graded in near-mint to mint condition due to its significance as Maris’ first card.

In 1959, the year Maris was traded midseason from Cleveland to the New York Yankees, he was featured in cards from two different sets wearing uniforms from both teams. Maris’ 1959 Topps card pictured him as an Indian on card #350 while his 1959 Post card showed him as a New York Yankee for the first time on card #308. These dual-team cards reflected Maris’ unusual season split between the Indians and Yankees clubs. They also helped spread Maris’ name and likeness to a wider card-collecting audience just as his career was taking off in its new location in New York. By 1959, Maris was already establishing himself as a rising star slugger worth following on baseball cards.

Of course, it was Roger Maris’ record-setting 1961 season with the Yankees that catapulted him into the national spotlight and truly cemented his place in baseball card history and popularity. Maris’ pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record that year generated daily sports headlines. Not surprisingly, Maris was prominently featured and in high demand on 1961 card releases from the major baseball card companies to capitalize on the hype surrounding his record chase. Some of the most notable 1961 Roger Maris cards included his cards from Topps (#130), Post (#151), and Fleer (#6). These cards prominently reminded collectors of Maris’ pursuit of history that season.

In the 1962 baseball card offerings, Maris continued to be one of the most recognizable players as the reigning single-season home run king. Topps led the way cementing Maris’ place in their 1962 set by featuring him on two different cards. The standard Maris card showed him in a Yankees uniform as usual on card #130, but Topps also included a special cardboard bonus photo of Maris from 1961 celebrating his home run record on card #130A, distributed one per pack. Other 1962 cards featuring Maris included issues from Post and Fleer, all capitalizing off his newfound fame. The enduring interest in Maris’ 1961 season ensured he would remain a prevalent sight in the coming years’ card releases.

Throughout the rest of the 1960s, Roger Maris continued drawing card maker attention as he remained one of the game’s top sluggers for the Yankees. After some injury-plagued seasons, Maris enjoyed a late-career power surge in 1964 that resulted in him hitting a career-high 33 home runs. This power resurgence led to Maris being named Player of the Month for July 1964. Topps commemorated this achievement by devoting card #582 in their 1964 set to recognizing Maris’ July honors. Many subsequent mid-60s card issues from Topps, Post, and Fleer also showcased Maris, reminding fans of his enduring hero status in New York. Even after his playing career ended in 1967, Maris remained sufficiently notable to get cards in 1968 rookie/returned sets from Dick’s and SSPC to look back on his career accomplishments.

In 1969, Roger Maris’ legacy and single-season home run record were threatened when St. Louis Cardinals’ slugger Harmon Killebrew and Atlanta Braves’ star Hank Aaron both threatened to pass Maris’ all-time mark that season. Undoubtedly aware of the potential interest it could generate, Topps produced a special “Record Potential” card (#132) devoted entirely to Maris’ iconic 1961 season and entrenched spot at the top of the single-season home run list. Predictably, Aaron would go on to surpass Maris’ hallowed record in 1974. After retirement, Roger Maris enjoyed a nice run of presence on vintage tobacco and other baseball cards through the 1970s and 1980s for baseball card investors to look back fondly on his outstanding Yankee career and place in history.

In the modern era, Maris has continued finding frequent representation in various premium, high-end, and limited-print card sets. Examples include cards devoted to his historic 1961 season found in Topps Archives, Topps Heritage, and Bowman Best memorabilia and autographed card parallels. In 2006, Upper Deck released the prestigious “American Pride” subset featuring prime American sports heroes like Maris and paying homage to memorable career moments. And Topps’ annual Mini Roger Maris Day cards help propagate Maris’ legacy for younger collectors each year on August 12th. As Maris’ single-season home run record from 1961 remains one of the most hallowed in sports, and as a key member of one of the greatest Yankees dynasties, the slugger continues captivating collectors nearly 60 years since the start of his superstar baseball card journey.

In closing, Roger Maris’ single most prolific and unforgettable season in 1961 cemented his legacy as one of the all-time Yankee greats and greatest pure sluggers in MLB history. The unique attention, pressure, history, and controversy surrounding Maris that year helped raise his fame and prominence to new heights and secure his placement in baseball history books. Naturally, this made Roger Maris one of the most collectible and cherished players memorably featured across many memorable vintage and modern-era baseball cards tracking his career rise. From his earliest 1957 Topps rookie card through various vintage tobacco issues and into modern-day premium releases, Maris enduring appeal ensures his baseball cards will remain synonymous with his iconic 1961 season and Yankee tenure for generations of collectors to enjoy.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Roger Maris is one of the most iconic baseball players of the 1960s, best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961 when he slugged 61 home runs. As the holder of one of baseball’s most prestigious records, Maris cards from his playing career in the late 1950s through the 1960s are highly sought after by collectors. Several of his key rookie and record-breaking cards can be quite valuable, some worth thousands of dollars or more in gem mint condition.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and expensive Roger Maris baseball cards that collectors seek out. One of his earliest and most coveted cards comes from his rookie season of 1957 with the Kansas City Athletics. That year, Maris appeared in Topps’ flagship baseball card set in card #343. High grade 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookies in near mint to mint condition can sell for $1,000 or more due to their scarcity. Finding them in perfect gem mint 10 condition is exceedingly rare, with those examples potentially selling for $5,000 or more.

Maris was traded from the A’s to the New York Yankees after the 1957 season. His first card with the Yankees came in 1958 Topps, where he appears in card #359. High grade ’58 Topps Maris cards in mint condition usually trade hands for $400-600. Another valuable early Maris Yankee card is 1959 Topps card #249. In gem mint 10 condition, examples have sold at auction for over $1,000.

Of course, Maris’ most famous and valuable cards stem from his record-breaking 1961 season chasing Ruth’s 60 home runs. That year, Topps captured Maris’ chase in card #130 from their 1961 baseball release. Near mint to mint versions typically sell in the $300-500 range. The true holy grail, however, is a 1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 in pristine gem mint 10 condition. Only a handful are known to exist, and one brought an astounding $92,800 at auction in January 2016, setting the record as the highest price ever paid for a Maris card.

Even non-rookie or record-setting Maris cards that show him with the Yankees can carry significant values. His 1960 Topps card #402 routinely sells for $150-250 in top condition due to his sustained success and fame from breaking the home run record the following year. Another strong Mid-1960s Maris Yamkee card is his 1962 Topps issue, card #362. Higher graded gem mint 10 examples have reached $400 at auction.

Maris’ 1963 and 1964 Topps cards, #382 and #487 respectively, can also reach the $150-250 price range in top certified grades due to his Yankee pedigree despite being a few years removed from the magical ’61 season. Towards the latter part of his career with St. Louis in 1966-1967, his card values dip but mint condition examples still trade hands for $50-150 based on the set and year.

In terms of non-Topps issues, Maris’ coveted 1956 Bowman rookie card in pristine condition can be worth $1,000. His 1952-1953 Leaf cards showing him as a Kansas City A’s prospect are scarce and valuable at $500+ in top shape. 1960 and 1961 Fleer cards highlighting his major league success with the Yankees commonly sell for $150-300 graded mint or higher. Even 1970s and 1980s vintage cards featuring Maris in uniform or as a coach can carry values of $50-100 in top condition due to his legendary status.

For autograph cards, any autograph of the famously media-shy Maris is rare and valuable. In the 2000s, Maris sadly passed away from lung cancer. As a result, any autographed card signed by him prior to his 2002 death was obtained during his very limited signings in the early 1980s or earlier. Especially rare are autographed rookie cards, which can fetch over $5,000 in pristine condition. Near mint autographed cards from his Yankees era easily top $1,000 as well.

As the holder of one of the most unbreakable records in baseball history by surpassing Babe Ruth’s single season home run mark, Roger Maris maintains a huge following among collectors decades after his playing days ended. While common issues from the peak of his career in the late 1950s and early 1960s fall in the $50-250 range, truly sharp examples of his rookie cards and seminal 1961 Topps issue can sell for thousands due to their enormous historical significance. With strict population reports for high grades, investment-grade Maris cards remain a compelling part of any vintage collection.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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Roger Maris Baseball Cards For Sale – The Most Iconic 1961 Season Cards

The 1961 season was one of the most memorable and controversial seasons in Major League Baseball history. This was the year that New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s longstanding single season home run record, hitting 61 home runs compared to Ruth’s previous record of 60. Maris’ accomplishment was deeply polarizing at the time as many felt the modern expansion to 162 games gave Maris an unfair advantage over Ruth who set the record in 154 games.

Regardless of the debate around the legitimacy of the record, Maris’ 1961 season captivated the country and made him one of the most famous players in baseball. His hitting of home run #61 on October 1st, 1961 is still considered one of the most iconic moments in sports history. For collectors today, Maris’ 1961 baseball cards remain some of the most sought after and valuable relating to any single season performance. Here is a breakdown of some of the top Roger Maris 1961 baseball cards that frequently come up for sale in the sports memorabilia market:

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130

The flagship Maris 1961 card released by Topps is considered the most iconic of his 1961 cards. It features a classic action photo of Maris swinging the bat with his Yankee pinstripes clearly visible. The front touts his 1960 stats and the back provides a brief biography. This is the card that defined Maris’ 1961 season for collectors. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples in pristine mint condition have sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered, but lesser graded examples still command prices of $2,000-$5,000 depending on condition. The 1961 Topps set is one of the most popular and collectible of all time.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #432 ‘Record Breaker’

Released late in the 1961-62 Topps series, card #432 features a photo of Maris holding the ball from his record breaking 61st home run. The front notes the record breaking achievement while the back provides more context about how he broke Ruth’s long held single season mark. Like the #130, a PSA/BGS 10 of this card is worth $10,000+. Even mid-grade copies will sell in the $1,000-2,000 range depending on eye appeal. This remains the “key” Maris card from the 1961 Topps set every serious collector wants.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #524 ‘Call Up’

One of the more obscure yet desirable Maris rookie cards is the #524 “call up” issue from later in the ’61 Topps series. It highlights his late season call up to the parent Yankees in 1960 after batting .293 with 15 HR for their AAA Kansas City minor league team. Only about 500,000 of these were printed making high grade examples quite rare. Even well-centered copies in the PSA 7-8 range can sell for $1,000+. With strong demand for any Maris rookie, this remains a very collectible card.

1961 Bazooka Roger Maris

For the young collectors of 1961, Bazooka bubble gum offered an affordable way to obtain baseball cards packaged with their snacks. Their Maris card featured a painted portrait style image of him in a Yankees uniform. Whileexamples are plentiful, high grades remain scarce. PSA/BGS 10 examples can sell for $500-1000 as the only true “rookie” depicting his early career before the fame of 1961. A fun card for any Maris or vintage collection.

1961 Post Roger Maris

As one of the three main competitive card companies of the 1950s-60s along with Topps and Fleer, Post issued their final baseball card set in 1961. Their Maris issue shows him holding a bat with “Yankees” visible. While production run was smaller, condition remains key to value. Their scarcity makes any PSA/BGS 9+ examples still worth $300-500 for collectors seeking a complete Maris rookie collection.

These represent the core Roger Maris 1961 baseball cards that frequently come up for sale whether individually or in group lots. Beyond raw copies, many serious vintage collectors will also pursue these cards in professionally graded Gem Mint slabbed examples to ensure condition, authenticity and long-term preservation of the classic cardboard. Prices often reflect the rareness of high grades especially for such historic and popular 60 year old issues.

With each passing year, fewer unopened packs and supplies remain from 1961 further driving scarcity and prices upwards. Even lesser condition copies still hold value for any dedicated Yankees or Maris fan looking to add a tangible part of sports history to their collection. Over 60 years later, the magic of Roger Maris’ record setting ’61 campaign still captivates collectors through the cards that immortalized his amazing feat.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Roger Maris had one of the most iconic single seasons in baseball history when he hit 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record. This historic feat captured the attention of the entire country and etched Maris into the minds of baseball fans forever. Not surprisingly, Maris’ popularity and notoriety led to an increase in production and availability of his baseball cards throughout his playing career in the 1950s and 1960s. Due to his memorable home run chase and home run record holding season in 1961, Maris’ rookie and career cards from that time period are some of the most sought after and valuable vintage baseball cards that can be found on auction websites like eBay today.

While Maris made his MLB debut in 1957 with the Kansas City A’s, it was the 1961 season when his card values and collectibility took off. Topps was the dominant baseball card producer throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. They captured Maris’ historic 1961 season with cards featuring photos from that year. His 1961 Topps card is seen as one of the key rookie and early career cards for any player and remains very popular with collectors. On eBay in gem mint condition, examples of Maris’ 1961 Topps card in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 grade often sell in the $1,000+ range. In lower grades such as PSA 7 or 8 condition, this iconic rookie card can still fetch $250-500.

Beyond his Topps rookie, Maris’ other 1961 Topps issue cards depicting him with the Yankees and commemorating his pursuit of the home run record that season are also highly sought after. Examples of Maris’ 1961 Yankees team card, 1961 Topps home run leaders card, and 1961 Topps All-Star card consistently sell in the $100-500 price range across various condition grades when auctioned on eBay. The storylines and photos on these particular 1961 inserts, which chronicled Maris’ chase for baseball immortality that year, keep collector demand strong.

Continuing his home run power surge in 1962, Maris smashed 33 homers that season to finish second in the league. His 1962 Topps issue cards are seen as some of his most aesthetically pleasing issues due to the bright and colorful Yankees photo used. In high grades like PSA 9 or BGS 8.5, 1962 Maris Topps rookies can sell between $200-400. Lower graded copies in PSA 6 or 7 condition are available for $50-150. Outside of Topps, there were also regional Gum Inc issues of Maris available in 1962 which feature colorful action photos. An example would be Maris’ 1962 Gum Inc Yankees card, which grades of PSA 7 bring $100-250 on the current vintage card market.

The 1961 season would end up being the peak of Maris’ home run production across his twelve-year MLB career. He never quite matched the heights of his 61 homer year afterwards, remaining a solid yet unspectacular power threat. From 1963 onward, Maris’ card values dropped off relative to his rookie and record-breaker seasons. Nonetheless, other noteworthy Maris cards that appear routinely on eBay auctions include his 1964 and 1966 Topps issues which mark his final seasons with the Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals respectively. High graded copies of Maris’ 1964 and 1966 Topps cards in PSA 8-9 range can sell in the $50-150 range depending on team photo and condition.

His 1967 Topps card from his final year with the Cardinals also shows up with some regularity on eBay, often attracting bids of $20-75 due to the historical value tied to an all-time great’s final baseball card issue before retirement. While not as iconic or valuable as his early 1960s cards, examples of other vintage Maris card releases like 1965 Design Plastics, 1966 Design Plastics, 1967 Kellogg’s, and 1968 Kellogg’s turn up periodically and can net collectors $10-60 depending on grade and circumstances. Finally, Maris’ 1972 Topps high number card issued posthumously also remains popular as the last baseball card produced featuring him, regularly hitting the $30-75 sales range.

For Maris autograph collectors, signed examples of his iconic 1961 Topps and 1962 Topps rookie cards are holy grails that rarely come to market. When they do surface on group breaks or individual auctions, prices often exceed $1,000-5,000 based on the specimen’s accompanying Certificate of Authenticity and grading. Signed baseballs attributed to Maris in gold marker also command $300-1,500 depending on verification. For more affordable signed collectibles, auto success items like signed photos, letters, balls, or smaller memorabilia starting around $100 can satisfy fans looking to own an element of Maris’ legacy at reasonable cost points.

In summary, Roger Maris’ single season home run record and legendary 1961 campaign have cemented him as one of the most recognizable and collected names in all of baseball card history. High graded copies of his seminal 1950s and 1960s issues, especially Topps releases from 1961-1962, remain some of the prized vintage pieces in any collection. With the sustained nostalgia and demand for Maris’ famous season of 61 home runs enduring decades later, auctions for his historic rookie cards and contemporary releases continue to thrive on platforms such as eBay. Alongside icons like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, Roger Maris endures as one of the faces of the golden age of baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s.

BANTY RED BASEBALL CARDS ROGER MARIS

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The 1961 Banty Red baseball card of New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris holds a special place in the history of the sport and in the collections of many card collectors. That season, Maris went on to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60, capturing the attention of the nation and cementing his place as one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers. The Banty Red card produced during that iconic season provides a glimpse into Maris’ career year and the excitement surrounding his record chase.

Banty Red was a brand of small, rectangular cardboard trading cards produced by the Banty Trading Card Company in the early 1960s. Standing out from the traditional large baseball cards of the time in their unique size and design, Banty Reds featured color photographs on one side and player stats and career highlights on the reverse. The 1961 Banty Red set included cards for over 200 major league players and managers from that season.

The card features a full-body color photo of Maris at bat, swinging hard with his trademark uppercut swing. He is shown wearing his pinstripe Yankees road jersey with number 9 on the back, the number he took over from Mickey Mantle that season. On the reverse, Maris’ stats from 1960 are listed when he hit 33 home runs, as well as career highlights up to that point such as being named American League Rookie of the Year in 1956 with the Kansas City Athletics.

What makes the 1961 Banty Red Maris card particularly notable is that it captures him during his record-setting season before he achieved baseball immortality. When the cards were produced and distributed that spring, Maris was among the favorites to challenge Ruth’s hallowed single-season home run record but had not yet broken it. The back of the card does not list his 1961 stats or acknowledge his record, as the season had not been completed when the set was printed.

Card collectors at the time did not realize they held in their hands a piece of cardboard documenting one of the most iconic individual performances in baseball history before it had even happened. As Maris went on to hit his 61st home run on October 1st to break Ruth’s record, the Banty Red card became a valuable piece of the story chronicling that historic season. Although mass produced, examples in near mint condition today are highly sought after by collectors interested in that pivotal time in baseball.

The pursuit of Ruth’s record in 1961 captivated sports fans across the country. Maris endured intense pressure and criticism from those who felt Ruth’s record should not be broken or that hitting more than 60 home runs in a season was somehow impossible or tainted. All the while, Maris steadily homered his way toward and past Ruth’s hallowed standard, with millions following his every at-bat on radio and television broadcasts. Breaking the record ranks as one of the greatest individual athletic achievements in American sports history.

Adding to the significance of the 1961 Banty Red Maris card is the context of his career and life. After winning Rookie of the Year honors, Maris struggled with injuries over the next few seasons and never quite lived up to his potential with the Athletics. The Yankees acquired him hoping a change of scenery might rejuvenate his career. His record-breaking 1961 campaign was the best of his career, as he proved any doubters wrong with his amazing power surge. Tragically, Maris battled illnesses later in life and passed away from lymphoma in 1985 at the young age of 51.

For collectors, the Banty Red Maris card preserves a snapshot of him at the absolute peak of his abilities, when he was the most talked about athlete in the country and in the midst of etching his name permanently in baseball lore. Holding a card from his record-setting 1961 Topps set is a thrill, but the Banty Red may be even more intriguing as it shows Maris before he accomplished his place in history. Nearly six decades later, the card continues to transport collectors back to a pivotal time in baseball and allow them to relive Maris’ unforgettable season through the simple imagery on a piece of cardboard.

In the over 60 years since that iconic 1961 campaign, Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61 has only been bested once, when Barry Bonds hit 73 in 2001. The debate over whether feats accomplished in the “Steroid Era” should hold the same esteem still rages today among fans and analysts. Either way, what Maris achieved that year enduring intense pressures remains one of the purest and most impressive individual performances in baseball history. His 1961 Banty Red card captures that historic season like no other, making it a true treasure for collectors with its connection to one of the sport’s most hallowed records.