(LOT 881)
1958 Topps #47 Roger Maris Rookie PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
When the legendary Roger Maris broke into the Major Leagues in 1957 with the Cleveland Indians, little did the baseball world realize that in four years, he would eclipse one of the most heralded single season records. In 1961 the power hitting right-fielder would clout 61 home runs to break Babe Ruth's seemingly insurmountable 60 mark, turning the baseball world upside down via his heart-stopping chase for the "Sultan of Swat's" historic record. While Maris could hit with power, was a superb defensive outfielder with a cannon throwing arm, and claim two consecutive A.L. MVP awards (1960 & '61), it was his 61 round-tripper campaign that secured his immortality. Additionally, his excruciating pursuit of Babe's mark portrayed his amazing courage, as he painstakingly withstood the barrage of criticism by a myriad of outraged fans who rooted for his teammate Mickey Mantle to eclipse Ruth's 60-home run record.

As a sheer testament for his greatness, presented here just happens to be an outstanding PSA 8.5 NM-MT+ example of the highly coveted Roger Maris rookie card. A breathtaking Maris half-body pose graces the obverse side as the slugging outfielder dons his Cleveland Indians rookie style uniform; gazing into an unknown future that would eventually see the left-handed slugger belt "61 homers in '61". The classic image is set against a brilliant orange-mustard background, portraying near-perfect centering between four clean white borders. Pack-fresh surfaces end at right-angled corner tips, and the super clean verso is the final exclamation point for this museum worthy masterpiece that merits a place in any superior 1958 Topps PSA Registered gathering!

MIN BID $1,250