1966 Profile: Roger Maris

"An injury to his right hand last June practically reduced Roger Maris to the role of a spectator in 1965. He appeared in only 46 games, batting .239 and reaching the distance for only eight home runs. Some sources pegged the Yankee demise to Roger's idleness, saying he should have tried to play, but surgery at the end of the season revealed he had bone chips in the hand. Rog's disposition makes him a controversial figure, whether he's sitting on the bench or hitting a record 61 homers, as he did in 1961. But what is often overlooked with the two-time winner of the AL's Most Valuable Player Award is that he's a bona fide power hitter and one of the best defensive outfielders in the game."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966

"Roger Maris thinks of 1965 as his lost year. He played in only 46 games and came to bat 155 times as first a hamstring muscle and then a bone chip in the base of the right hand idled him for most of the campaign.
But all that is behind the brilliant Yankee right-fielder. He has set himself some goals this year. No, not trying to break his own 61-homer record, but playing regularly and delivering key hits and vital catches that will contribute to comeback pennant victory for the Yankees. A good team player, Roger knows he is vital to the Yankee cause this season.
Twice an American League MVP, winner of the Hickock Belt as the top pro athlete of 1961, twice a league leader in RBIs, a powerful slugger and great defensive outfielder ... Roger Maris can lead the Yankee comeback by just having a good Maris year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook

Traded to New York Yankees with first baseman Kent Hadley and shortstop Joe DeMaestri for pitcher Don Larsen, first baseman Marv Throneberry and outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, December 1959.
Led American League in runs batted in (112), 1960.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.581), 1960.
Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, October 5, 1960.
American League MVP, 1960.
Hit 61 home runs in 1961- more than any player in one season.
Combined with Mickey Mantle to break Babe Ruth's and Lou Gehrig's 1927 home run [record for teammates] (107) with 115.
Set American League record for most home runs in six consecutive games (7), 1961.
Led American League in runs batted in (142), 1961.
Tied for American League lead in runs scored (132), 1961.
Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete of the Year, 1961.
American League MVP, 1961.
Associated Press Athlete of the Year, 1961.
Led Yankees in runs batted in (100), 1962.
Underwent surgery for removal of bone chips from the base of his right hand, September 27, 1965.

-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide