Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
Growing up in North Dakota, Roger Maris was never one for the spotlight, and he always stated he never wished he broke Babe Ruth's home run record since it took the joy out of playing baseball. At the time Maris was wearing this helmet, he was trying to get out from under the attention showered on him three years before when he surpassed Ruth’s record and could concentrate on playing ball. During the 1964 season Maris did just that, hitting .281 with 26 home runs, helping the Mantle/Maris Yankees reach the World Series for the last time. That fall he hit a memorable home run in Game 6 of the World Series. This helmet was worn by Maris during that 1964 season and likely the following season, too. Inside the well-worn helmet is the "American Baseball Cap, Media, PA" manufacturers size "7-3/8" tag. The tag has their zip code, indicating this helmet was produced after 1963, the year post office zip codes were introduced. Also inside the helmet is a well worn piece of athletic tape with "9 MARIS" written in black marker. According to the MEARS LOA, "both the tape and writing appear to be original to the helmet." The inside padding appears all original and is fully intact, and interestingly, it continues to hide remnants of infield dirt. Maris could have been "dusted" a few times while wearing this helmet. The outer shell exhibits tremendous use, with multiple areas of scratches, scuffs and a chip on the front brim. On the front is the stenciled interlocking "NY", which is the style helmet used by the Yankees during the referenced period. Also, included with this lot are two photo matches of similar helmet sworn by Yankees players. First one is an original wire photo of Maris in April 1965 wearing this style helmet and the second is one of Clete Boyer during the 1964 World Series with the same type helmet. This helmet is attributed to Roger Maris during the 1964-65 seasons, and quite possibly could have been worn by Maris during the 1964 World Series. This is exceptional game used item from one of the most iconic Yankee players from the 1960s. Full LOA from MEARS, Graded AUTHENTIC, cert number 313263; Also, a full LOA J.T. Sports (John Taube), noted game used memorabilia expert.