(LOT 696)
c.1957/'58 Roger Maris Rookie Era Type 1 Photo – International News – Measures Approx. 7" x 9" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
Extremely scarce, this obscure c.1957/'58 Roger Maris Type 1 portrait photo portrays the star slugger in his inaugural Cleveland Indians uniform, truly standing as one of the few Maris "Rookie-Era" images in circulation. In 1957, Maris played in his first MLB season with Cleveland, with the left-handed slugger showing glimpses of what was to come by clouting 14 round-trippers in 424 plate appearances. The following '58 campaign, he would be traded during the season to the Kansas City A's, elevating his full year home run total to 28 dingers and eliminating any notions of the "sophomore jinx". Unfortunately for Maris and the A's, "three was NOT a charm" for his third season (1959) would see the seemingly "overrated" hitter slump to only 16 homers, with Kansas City giving up on his potential and trading him to the New York Yankees.

The rest of the story is grand history because in 1960, Maris walloped 39 home runs and knocked in 112 runs, ultimately leading to his selection as the American League MVP. As an encore to his "break-out" season, we all know how 1961 would pan out for the powerful left-handed slugger with this game announcement by Hall of Famer announcer Phil Rizzuto telling the story: "Fastball hit deep to right…this could be it…way back there…Holy Cow he did it…61 for Maris…". Indeed, Roger Maris had just blasted Red Sox hurler Tracy Stallard's fastball into Yankee Stadium's lower deck on the last game of the 1961 season to surpass Babe Ruth's hallowed 60 homer mark. Capturing his second consecutive MVP and a World Championship in 1961, Maris had literally turned the baseball world "upside-down", with his monumental 61st dinger forever etched in baseball immortality.

Such is the brief history of this dynamic player who also stood as one of the finest outfielders in the game via his "cannon-like" throwing arm. This remarkable offering most likely captures a smiling Roger Maris during his 1957 rookie campaign, as he dons his inaugural Cleveland Indians uniform. Exhibiting the finest possible contrast and clarity, the well-centered image looks as if it was taken yesterday, with only a few negligible notations evident on the upper and lower borders. No glaring creases and/or surface blemishes are apparent on the critical central image, and the verso includes a light International News credit stamp. One of the most extraordinary Maris illustrations extant, it truly captures this legendary player in the early stages of the sensational career he was about to embark on!

MIN BID $200
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