Red Sox vs. Yankees Regular-season finale

Yankee Stadium Oct. 1, 1961

Roger Maris’ chase of Babe Ruth’s home-run record came down to the final game of the 1961 season with Maris needing one more blast to pass the legendary Bambino.

In his second at bat, Maris hit his 61st homer of the year off Boston righty Tracy Stallard. The ball traveled just 360 feet into the right-field seats.

Maris faced many obstacles that year, including a difficult relationship with the media and the wrath of Yankees fans who wanted to see their favorite, Mickey Mantle, break the Babe’s record. Mantle, who finished with 54, stuck right with Maris until injuries forced him out of the lineup in mid-September.