On October 1st, 1961, one of the most incredible feats in baseball history took place. The New York Yankees' Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the season, breaking Babe Ruth's long-standing single-season home run record set in 1927.

The chase for the record had been a thrilling one, with Maris and his teammate Mickey Mantle both vying to surpass Ruth's mark. Mantle, however, fell short due to an injury, leaving Maris alone in his pursuit.

Maris stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning of the final game of the season against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. With a 2-0 count, Maris connected with a pitch from Red Sox pitcher Tracy Stallard, sending the ball soaring into the right-field stands. The crowd erupted as Maris circled the bases, having just etched his name into the record books.

The achievement was not without controversy, as Commissioner Ford Frick had previously declared that any record set in more than 154 games (the number played in Ruth's era) would be listed separately. However, Maris' record would stand alone until 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa both surpassed it during the heart of the steroid era.

Maris' 61 home runs in 1961 remain one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, a testament to his skill and determination in the face of immense pressure. The record-breaking season cemented his legacy as one of the greatest power hitters of his generation and a true Yankees legend.