A picture is worth a thousand words...
 

This photo was taken Sept. 30th 1961. The Yankees had but one game left to play and Maris was down to just a few more chances to break the Bambino's record.

I've always thought he was thinking... I'm screwed if I don't break it and I'm screwed if I do.

What do you think was on his mind?

Attachment 7337

"This bat feels right. Now, if I can get rid of this hangover all will be good!!"

Ummmmmm, did I unplug the iron before leaving the house this morning??

Geez...do I have to really sign all of these bats?

Anyway, what an awesome picture. It seemed that at this time in '61 Mantle was really giving him a lot of support and I think he was in the hospital with his hip/leg injury? Thus, Maris really was alone in the clubhouse to dwell on this record.

Which end of this thing do I insert first:confused:

"Geez--How many home runs does a guy have to hit before he doesn't have to sort the bats anymore?"

"Never go drinking with Mickey, never go drinking with Mickey, never go drinking with Mickey!"

Honestly, at this point in the season he could have borrowed a line from Lou by saying "He was the luckiest man on earth", but it sure looks like the press, fans and the pressure took their toll in this picture....sad. Nice photo BTW.

Jantz