Early 1960s New York Yankees Game-Used Batting Helmet Attributed to Roger Maris

Roger Maris: A Legendary Legacy in Baseball

The Iconic Career of Roger Maris

Roger Maris, a name that resonates with baseball enthusiasts, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements during a career that spanned 12 illustrious years. A seven-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP, and Gold Glove winner, Maris is best remembered for his tenure with the New York Yankees. His prowess on the field was evident as early as 1960, when he clinched his first AL MVP award by leading the league in slugging percentage, RBIs, and extra-base hits. That year, he finished just one home run shy of the team leader, Mickey Mantle.

The Historic 1961 Season

The following year, Maris and Mantle engaged in a legendary battle for the home run crown. In one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history, Maris emerged victorious, hitting an astounding 61 home runs in 1961. This feat crowned him Major League Baseball’s single-season home run champion, a title he held for an impressive 37 seasons. The Yankees immortalized Maris’ legacy by retiring his number 9 in 1984, aptly describing him as “a great player and author of one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of major league baseball.”

A Rare Piece of Baseball Memorabilia

Among the treasured artifacts from Maris’ career is an extremely rare fiberglass helmet. This helmet, a testament to Maris’ enduring legacy, features the “AMERICAN BASEBALL CAP” manufacturer’s sticker with a helmet size of “7 3/8.” Below this, the “AMERICAN BASEBALL CAP, INC.” stamp is imprinted with an address, adding authenticity to this unique piece. Inside the rear of the helmet, a white piece of medical tape bears the vintage inscription “9 MARIS” in bold black marker, seemingly placed at the time of use.

• Iconic Design: The “NY” interlocked logo is painted on the front of the crown in white, appearing to have been professionally team re-painted.
• Game Use Evidence: The helmet shows tremendous game use, with remnants of dirt and pine tar along the sweatband.
• Pristine Condition: The helmet appears to have no alterations of any kind, preserving its historical integrity.

Explore More Baseball Memorabilia

This helmet is not just a piece of equipment; it is a fragment of baseball history, encapsulating the spirit and achievements of Roger Maris. For those interested in exploring more such iconic pieces, our baseball memorabilia auctions offer a treasure trove of items that celebrate the rich heritage of the sport. Whether you are looking to consign baseball jerseys or sell MLB items, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in preserving and celebrating the legacy of baseball.

Join us in honoring the legends of the game by exploring our extensive collection of sports memorabilia, where each item tells a story of triumph, dedication, and excellence.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.