The Design: ‘The M&M Boys’ was a moniker used for Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris in 1961 as they both chased Babe Ruth’s record for most home runs hit in a season (60), which had stood for 34 years. As background, Ruth’s record was set when baseball was playing under a 154-game format. In 1961, the season was extended to 162 games in the American League while the National League played a 154 game schedule for the last time that season. Maris, after winning the A.L. MVP in 1960, got off to a slow start in ’61, hitting just 1 HR in April. Mantle, on the other hand, started the season well and had accumulated 14 HR by the end of May. By the time June rolled around, both players were on pace to challenge Ruth’s record. Adding to the drama of the chase, Commissioner Ford C. Frick announced that summer that because Ruth’s record came in the 154-game format, anyone challenging the record would have to do so within 154 games…anything beyond, would have a distinctive mark (the dreaded asterisk). Maris passed Mantle for the final time in August (with Mantle sidelined due to an abscess in his hip) and by the time game 154 had been completed, Maris sat at 59 HR. The crowning moment for Maris occurred on October 1st, 1961 at Yankee Stadium, the last regular season game of the year. Facing Tracy Stallard of the Red Sox, Maris homered into the right field bleachers for his 61st HR. The ‘asterisk’ on Maris’ 61 home runs remained for 30 years when then MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, eliminated the mark from the books, anointing Roger Maris as the single-season HR king outright…6 years after Roger Maris had passed away. The M&M Boys put on a show in 1961, combining to hit 115 HR, surpassing the single-season HR record for teammates (set by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1927). Our 60th Anniversary graphic honors the memories of Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and the 1961 home run chase.
* You won't want to take off this best-selling unisex tee, featuring a uniquely soft triblend fabrication, modern fit, crew neck and short sleeves. The Unisex sizing works for all walks of life.
* Unisex Sizing (true to size)
* Tri-blend materials: 50% polyester, 25% Airlume combed & ring-spun cotton & 25% rayon.
* Designed & printed in the U.S.A.
