Roger Maris
After Tony Kubek triples with one out in the bottom of the first inning, Roger Maris stuns the Cleveland Indians 65 years ago today with a bunt single to score Kubek for a 1-0 lead in a game New York eventually wins 7-3 at Yankee Stadium.
Maris in his next at-bat hits a solo homer to deep right field off Cleveland starter Dick Stigman, giving him 55 home runs for the 1961 season on his way to a then-record 61.
Maris follows that with another single in the sixth inning and a sacrifice fly in the seventh before a Thursday night crowd of 18,549 in the Bronx.
Nice day at the yard, right?
Well, seems not to everyone.
After the game, the New York sports writers – being, well, the oft-caustic bunch that they are – want to know more why the power-hitting Maris opts to bunt for an RBI single in the first inning rather than swing for the fences.
“Trying to win the game, you stupid m---------,” Maris barks at the ink-stained wretches. “Why do you think?”
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