Title:
Roger Maris Signed 1961 Home Run No. 61 AP Wire Photo – Inscribed “To Joe” – JSA Letter of Authenticity

Description:
Offered here is an iconic 8" x 10" black-and-white Associated Press wire photo capturing Roger Maris at the precise moment he connects for his historic 61st home run on October 1, 1961, at Yankee Stadium.

The original AP wire caption beneath the image reads in full:

(NY14) NEW YORK, Oct. 1—CONNECTING FOR NO. 61—New York Yankee Roger Maris swings and connects with the ball as he hit his 61st homer in the fourth inning of game with Boston at Yankee Stadium today. He thus became the most prolific home run hitter in major league baseball history, exceeding Babe Ruth’s historic total of 60 made in 1927. (AP Wirephoto)(see AP wire story)(prl1540stf)) 1961

Across the image, Maris has boldly inscribed in blue fiber-tip marker:

“To Joe, best always to the greatest one of baseball managers – Roger Maris”

The inscription and signature are clean and prominently placed across the image field, maintaining excellent contrast and legibility. As an original period wire photo, the piece displays natural aging consistent with early 1960s press photography, including light edge wear and handling impressions typical of newsroom-distributed prints. The reverse remains blank.

Historical Context:
On October 1, 1961, Roger Maris surpassed Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60, set in 1927, by hitting his 61st home run during the Yankees’ final regular-season game against the Boston Red Sox. The achievement came after a season of extraordinary media pressure and public scrutiny, as debate raged over whether Ruth’s mark should stand separately due to the longer 162-game schedule.

The 1961 New York Yankees, managed by Ralph Houk, finished with a dominant 109–53 record and went on to win the World Series. Maris’ 61st home run stood as the American League single-season record for 37 years and remains one of the most significant milestones in baseball history.

The personal inscription referencing “the greatest one of baseball managers” suggests the photograph was dedicated to an individual named Joe within professional baseball circles. A historically plausible figure would be Joe Cronin, American League President from 1959 to 1973 and a former Major League manager, though definitive attribution cannot be established without additional provenance.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This signed wire photo is accompanied by a full James Spence Authentication (JSA) Letter of Authenticity, Certification Number ZZ94758 (Submission D009615, dated January 30, 2026). The LOA confirms:

• Signed black-and-white wire photo

• Size: 8" x 10"

• Writing implement: Blue fiber-tip marker

• Number of signatures: 1

• The inscription was penned in the hand of Roger Maris

The certification can be verified through the JSA database.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
An original 1961 AP wire photo capturing the exact swing that produced Home Run No. 61—boldly signed and personally inscribed by Roger Maris—represents a centerpiece artifact from one of the most dramatic seasons in Major League Baseball history. Combining historic imagery, a personalized dedication, and full JSA authentication, this piece stands as an exceptional opportunity for advanced Yankees collectors and serious baseball historians alike.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.

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