1961 New York Yankees season
Encyclopedia
The New York Yankees
season was the 59th season for the team in New York, and its 61st season overall. The team finished with a record of 109-53, eight games ahead of the Detroit Tigers
, and won their 26th American League
pennant
. New York was managed by Ralph Houk
. The Yankees played their home games at Yankee Stadium. In the World Series
, they defeated the Cincinnati Reds
in 5 games.
The 1961 Yankees are often mentioned as a candidate for the unofficial title of greatest baseball team in history.
and right fielder Roger Maris
to break Babe Ruth
's record of 60 home run
s in a season (set in 1927
). Maris eventually broke the record, hitting his 61st home run on October 1, the season's final day. During the season, Maris had seven multi-home run games; in a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox
, he hit four home runs.
1961 was an expansion year, with the American League
increasing from 8 to 10 teams, the first expansion in the 61-year history of the league. The old schedule of 154 games (7 opponents X 22 games apiece) was replaced by 162 games (9 opponents X 18 games apiece) which led to some controversy due to the 8 extra games that Maris had to try to hit 61. Maris' major league record stood for 37 years, three years longer than Ruth's, before it was broken by Mark McGwire
of the St. Louis Cardinals
in . However, Maris' 61 home runs remain the American League single season record.
In addition to the individual exploits of Maris and Mantle, the '61 Yankees hit a major league record 240 home runs. The record stood until when the Baltimore Orioles
, with the added benefit of the designated hitter
, hit 257 home runs as a team.
In 1961, the American League expanded from 8 to 10 teams, generally watering down the pitching, but leaving the Yankees pretty much intact. Yankee home runs began to come at a record pace. One famous photograph lined up six 1961 Yankee players, including Mantle, Maris, Yogi Berra
, Elston Howard
, Johnny Blanchard
, and Bill Skowron, under the nickname "Murderers Row," because they hit a combined 207 home runs that year. The title "Murderers Row", originally coined in , had most famously been used to refer to the Yankees side of the late 1920s.
As mid-season approached, it seemed quite possible that either Maris or Mantle, or perhaps both, would break Babe Ruth's 34-year-old home run record. Unlike the home run race of , in which the competition between Mark McGwire
and Sammy Sosa
was given extensive positive media
coverage, sportswriters in 1961 began to play the "M&M Boys
" against each other, inventing a rivalry where none existed, as Yogi Berra has testified in recent interviews.
The 1961 home run race between Maris and Mantle was dramatized in the 2001 film 61*, filmed under the direction of Billy Crystal
.
1961 All-Star Game
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
season was the 59th season for the team in New York, and its 61st season overall. The team finished with a record of 109-53, eight games ahead of the Detroit Tigers
1961 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers won 101 games but finished in second place, eight games behind the Yankees. The team's 1961 record tied the 1934 Tigers team record of 101 wins, and only twice in team history have the Tigers won more games: 1968 and 1984 .- Offseason :On January 1, the Tigers' home park,...
, and won their 26th American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
. New York was managed by Ralph Houk
Ralph Houk
Ralph George Houk , nicknamed The Major, was an American catcher, coach, manager, and front office executive in Major League Baseball...
. The Yankees played their home games at Yankee Stadium. In the World Series
1961 World Series
The 1961 World Series matched the New York Yankees against the Cincinnati Reds , with the Yankees winning in five games to earn their 19th championship in 39 seasons. This World Series was surrounded by Cold War political puns pitting the "Reds" against the "Yanks"...
, they defeated the Cincinnati Reds
1961 Cincinnati Reds season
The Cincinnati Reds season was a season in American baseball. It consisted of the Reds winning the National League pennant with a record of 93-61, four games over the runner-up Los Angeles Dodgers, but losing the World Series in five games to the New York Yankees. The Reds were managed by Fred...
in 5 games.
The 1961 Yankees are often mentioned as a candidate for the unofficial title of greatest baseball team in history.
Offseason
- December 14, 1960: Bob CervBob CervRobert Henry Cerv was an American baseball player. Prior to his professional career he was a standout baseball and basketball player at the University of Nebraska....
was drafted from the Yankees by the Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
in the 1960 MLB expansion draft1960 MLB expansion draftThe 1960 MLB Expansion Draft was held by Major League Baseball on December 14, 1960 to fill the rosters of the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Senators...
. The Yankees re-acquired Cerv by trading Andy CareyAndy CareyAndrew Arthur Carey is a former major league third baseman for the New York Yankees , and three other major league teams from 1960 to 1962...
to the Angels in May of 1961. - January 16, 1961: Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
became the highest-paid baseball player by signing a $75,000 contract. - Prior to 1961 season: Art LópezArt LópezArturo López Rodríguez is a former professional baseball player. He played one season in Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in 1965. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1968 until 1973.During his lone major league season, López played in 38 games in his...
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Yankees. - Prior to 1961 season: Ole Miss Rebels football quarterback Jake GibbsJake GibbsJerry Dean "Jake" Gibbs is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the New York Yankees as a platoon catcher from 1962 to 1971. His strong hit record in 1968 earned him the nickname "Dead-Eye" Gibbs...
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Yankees.
Regular season
The 1961 season was notable for the race between center fielder Mickey MantleMickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
and right fielder Roger Maris
Roger Maris
Roger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
to break Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
George Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
's record of 60 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s in a season (set in 1927
1927 Major League Baseball season
-Regular season standings:-World series:-Award winners:-League leaders:-External links:*...
). Maris eventually broke the record, hitting his 61st home run on October 1, the season's final day. During the season, Maris had seven multi-home run games; in a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox
1961 Chicago White Sox season
The 1961 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 61st season in the major leagues, and its 62nd season overall. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for fourth place in the American League, 23 games behind the first-place New York Yankees....
, he hit four home runs.
1961 was an expansion year, with the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
increasing from 8 to 10 teams, the first expansion in the 61-year history of the league. The old schedule of 154 games (7 opponents X 22 games apiece) was replaced by 162 games (9 opponents X 18 games apiece) which led to some controversy due to the 8 extra games that Maris had to try to hit 61. Maris' major league record stood for 37 years, three years longer than Ruth's, before it was broken by Mark McGwire
Mark McGwire
Mark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in . However, Maris' 61 home runs remain the American League single season record.
In addition to the individual exploits of Maris and Mantle, the '61 Yankees hit a major league record 240 home runs. The record stood until when the Baltimore Orioles
1996 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles season in which the Orioles finishing 2nd in the American League East with a record of 88 wins and 74 losses and qualifying for the post-season as the Wild Card team. The Orioles broke the all-time record for most home runs hit by a team with 257...
, with the added benefit of the designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, hit 257 home runs as a team.
Roger Maris
Yogi Berra
Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra is a former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
, Elston Howard
Elston Howard
Elston Gene Howard was an American Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach. During a 14-year baseball career, he played from 1955–1968, primarily for the New York Yankees...
, Johnny Blanchard
Johnny Blanchard
John Edwin Blanchard was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder and catcher from 1955 and 1959-1965. A defensive liability for the New York Yankees for most of his career, Blanchard is probably best-known for his play in the 1961 World Series...
, and Bill Skowron, under the nickname "Murderers Row," because they hit a combined 207 home runs that year. The title "Murderers Row", originally coined in , had most famously been used to refer to the Yankees side of the late 1920s.
As mid-season approached, it seemed quite possible that either Maris or Mantle, or perhaps both, would break Babe Ruth's 34-year-old home run record. Unlike the home run race of , in which the competition between Mark McGwire
Mark McGwire
Mark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
and Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa
Samuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
was given extensive positive media
Mass media
Mass media refers collectively to all media technologies which are intended to reach a large audience via mass communication. Broadcast media transmit their information electronically and comprise of television, film and radio, movies, CDs, DVDs and some other gadgets like cameras or video consoles...
coverage, sportswriters in 1961 began to play the "M&M Boys
M&M Boys
"The M&M Boys" was the nickname given to the New York Yankees' early-1960s slugging tandem of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. The nickname gained provenance during the 1961 season, when Maris and Mantle, batting 3-4 in the Yankee lineup, both challenged Babe Ruth's 34-year old single-season record...
" against each other, inventing a rivalry where none existed, as Yogi Berra has testified in recent interviews.
The 1961 home run race between Maris and Mantle was dramatized in the 2001 film 61*, filmed under the direction of Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal
William Edward "Billy" Crystal is an American actor, writer, producer, comedian and film director. He gained prominence in the 1970s for playing Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom Soap and became a Hollywood film star during the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in the critical and box office successes...
.
Roger Maris 61 Home Runs
| Number | Game | Date | Pitcher | Team | Inning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 04-26-1961 | Paul Foytack Paul Foytack Paul Eugene Foytack is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to .During his eleven year career, he played with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, posting a record of 86-87 with a 4.14 ERA... |
Detroit Tigers 1961 Detroit Tigers season The Detroit Tigers won 101 games but finished in second place, eight games behind the Yankees. The team's 1961 record tied the 1934 Tigers team record of 101 wins, and only twice in team history have the Tigers won more games: 1968 and 1984 .- Offseason :On January 1, the Tigers' home park,... |
5th |
| 2 | 17 | 05-03-1961 | Pedro Ramos Pedro Ramos Pedro Ramos Guerra was a Major League pitcher with a 15-year career from 1955 to 1967, and again from 1969 to 1970... |
Minnesota Twins 1961 Minnesota Twins season The Minnesota Twins season was a season in American baseball. The team finished with a record of 70-90, seventh in the American League, which had expanded from 8 to 10 teams during the 1960-61 offseason. It was the franchise's first season in Minnesota after 60 seasons in Washington, D.C.... |
7th |
| 3 | 20 | 05-06-1961 | Eli Grba Eli Grba Eli Grba is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 5-year baseball career, he pitched for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels . He was the first selection in the 1960 MLB expansion draft, and he became a charter member of the Angels... |
Los Angeles Angels 1961 Los Angeles Angels season The Los Angeles Angels season ended with the Angels finishing 8th in the American League with a record of 70-91. It was the Angels' first season in franchise history, and their only season at Wrigley Field... |
5th |
| 4 | 29 | 05-17-1961 | Pete Burnside Pete Burnside Peter Willits Burnside , was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from - for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles.... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
8th |
| 5 | 30 | 05-19-1961 | Jim Perry Jim Perry (baseball) James Evan Perry, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched for 1959-1975 for four different teams. During a 17-year baseball career, Perry compiled 215 wins, 1,576 strikeouts, and a 3.45 earned run average.... |
Cleveland Indians 1961 Cleveland Indians season The Cleveland Indians season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fifth in the newly expanded 10-team American League with a record of 78-83, 30½ games behind the New York Yankees.- Offseason :* December 14, 1960: 1960 MLB expansion draft... |
1st |
| 6 | 31 | 05-20-1961 | Gary Bell Gary Bell Wilbur Gary Bell , nicknamed "Ding Dong", is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1958-1969 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the Cleveland Indians... |
Cleveland Indians | 3rd |
| 7 | 32 | 05-21-1961 | Chuck Estrada Chuck Estrada Charles Leonard Estrada is a former American baseball player. Estrada was a 6 feet, one inch tall right-handed pitcher in the Major Leagues from to , playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets... |
Baltimore Orioles 1961 Baltimore Orioles season The 1961 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 3rd in the American League with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses, 14 games behind the AL and World Series champion New York Yankees... |
1st |
| 8 | 35 | 05-24-1961 | Gene Conley Gene Conley Donald Eugene Conley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eleven seasons from to for four different teams. Conley also played forward in the 1952-1953 season and from 1958 to 1964 for two teams in the National Basketball Association... |
Boston Red Sox 1961 Boston Red Sox season The Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.- Regular season :Future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski made his major league debut on Opening Day, April 11... |
4th |
| 9 | 38 | 05-28-1961 | Cal McLish Cal McLish Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , Cleveland Indians , Cincinnati Reds , Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies... |
Chicago White Sox 1961 Chicago White Sox season The 1961 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 61st season in the major leagues, and its 62nd season overall. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for fourth place in the American League, 23 games behind the first-place New York Yankees.... |
2nd |
| 10 | 40 | 05-30-1961 | Gene Conley Gene Conley Donald Eugene Conley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eleven seasons from to for four different teams. Conley also played forward in the 1952-1953 season and from 1958 to 1964 for two teams in the National Basketball Association... |
Boston Red Sox 1961 Boston Red Sox season The Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.- Regular season :Future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski made his major league debut on Opening Day, April 11... |
3rd |
| 11 | 40 | 05-30-1961 | Mike Fornieles Mike Fornieles Jose Miguel "Mike" Fornieles was a professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of twelve seasons with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox... |
Boston Red Sox 1961 Boston Red Sox season The Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.- Regular season :Future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski made his major league debut on Opening Day, April 11... |
8th |
| 12 | 41 | 05-31-1961 | Billy Muffett Billy Muffett Billy Arnold Muffett was an American professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1957-1962. He would play for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox. In his playing days, he stood 6"1" tall, weighed 198 pounds , and threw and batted right-handed... |
Boston Red Sox 1961 Boston Red Sox season The Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.- Regular season :Future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski made his major league debut on Opening Day, April 11... |
3rd |
| 13 | 43 | 06-02-1961 | Cal McLish Cal McLish Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , Cleveland Indians , Cincinnati Reds , Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies... |
Chicago White Sox 1961 Chicago White Sox season The 1961 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 61st season in the major leagues, and its 62nd season overall. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for fourth place in the American League, 23 games behind the first-place New York Yankees.... |
3rd |
| 14 | 44 | 06-03-1961 | Bob Shaw Bob Shaw (baseball) Robert John Shaw was a Major League Baseball pitcher.His career lasted a decade, and he pitched for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Athletics, Milwaukee Braves, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. He won 18 games with the American League pennant-winning White... |
Chicago White Sox 1961 Chicago White Sox season The 1961 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 61st season in the major leagues, and its 62nd season overall. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for fourth place in the American League, 23 games behind the first-place New York Yankees.... |
8th |
| 15 | 45 | 06-04-1961 | Russ Kemmerer Russ Kemmerer Russell Paul Kemmerer is an American retired professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox , the Washington Senators , the Chicago White Sox , and the Houston Colt .45s to finish his career.He attended the University of Pittsburgh.He debuted for the... |
Chicago White Sox 1961 Chicago White Sox season The 1961 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 61st season in the major leagues, and its 62nd season overall. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for fourth place in the American League, 23 games behind the first-place New York Yankees.... |
3rd |
| 16 | 48 | 06-06-1961 | Ed Palmquist Ed Palmquist Edwin Lee Palmquist was a middle relief pitcher who played from through in Major League Baseball. Listed at 6' 3", 195 lb., Palmquist batted and threw right-handed. A native of Los Angeles, California, he attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School... |
Minnesota Twins 1961 Minnesota Twins season The Minnesota Twins season was a season in American baseball. The team finished with a record of 70-90, seventh in the American League, which had expanded from 8 to 10 teams during the 1960-61 offseason. It was the franchise's first season in Minnesota after 60 seasons in Washington, D.C.... |
6th |
| 17 | 49 | 06-07-1961 | Pedro Ramos Pedro Ramos Pedro Ramos Guerra was a Major League pitcher with a 15-year career from 1955 to 1967, and again from 1969 to 1970... |
Minnesota Twins 1961 Minnesota Twins season The Minnesota Twins season was a season in American baseball. The team finished with a record of 70-90, seventh in the American League, which had expanded from 8 to 10 teams during the 1960-61 offseason. It was the franchise's first season in Minnesota after 60 seasons in Washington, D.C.... |
3rd |
| 18 | 52 | 06-09-1961 | Ray Herbert Ray Herbert Raymond Ernest Herbert was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played fourteen seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. He won 20 games with the White Sox in and was selected to play in the All-Star game. The following season, he led... |
Kansas City Athletics 1961 Kansas City Athletics season The Kansas City Athletics season was a season in American baseball. The A's finished with a record of 61–100, tying the expansion Washington Senators for ninth place, last in the newly-expanded 10-team American League.- Offseason :... |
7th |
| 19 | 55 | 06-11-1961 | Eli Grba | Los Angeles Angels | 3rd |
| 20 | 55 | 06-11-1961 | Johnny James | Los Angeles Angels | 7th |
| 21 | 57 | 06-13-1961 | Jim Perry | Cleveland Indians | 6th |
| 22 | 58 | 06-14-1961 | Gary Bell | Cleveland Indians | 4th |
| 23 | 61 | 06-17-1961 | Don Mossi Don Mossi Donald Louis Mossi, , was an American major league pitcher from 1954 to 1965. He was a left-handed control pitcher whose strikeout-to-walk ratio was regularly amongst the league leaders . He retired with a career earned run average of 3.43, 101 wins, and 50 saves.- Biography :Mossi was born in St... |
Detroit Tigers | 4th |
| 24 | 62 | 06-18-1961 | Jerry Casale Jerry Casale Jerry Joseph Casale is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three different teams between 1958 and 1962. Listed at 6' 2", 200 lb., he batted and threw right-handed.... |
Detroit Tigers | 8th |
| 25 | 63 | 06-19-1961 | Jim Archer Jim Archer James William Archer is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for two seasons with the Kansas City Athletics. He threw left-handed and batted right.... |
Kansas City Athletics 1961 Kansas City Athletics season The Kansas City Athletics season was a season in American baseball. The A's finished with a record of 61–100, tying the expansion Washington Senators for ninth place, last in the newly-expanded 10-team American League.- Offseason :... |
9th |
| 26 | 64 | 06-20-1961 | Joe Nuxhall Joe Nuxhall Joseph Henry Nuxhall was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, mostly for the Cincinnati Reds. Immediately after retiring as a player, he became a radio broadcaster for the Reds from 1967 through 2004, and continued part-time up until his death in 2007... |
Kansas City Athletics 1961 Kansas City Athletics season The Kansas City Athletics season was a season in American baseball. The A's finished with a record of 61–100, tying the expansion Washington Senators for ninth place, last in the newly-expanded 10-team American League.- Offseason :... |
1st |
| 27 | 66 | 06-22-1961 | Norm Bass | Kansas City Athletics 1961 Kansas City Athletics season The Kansas City Athletics season was a season in American baseball. The A's finished with a record of 61–100, tying the expansion Washington Senators for ninth place, last in the newly-expanded 10-team American League.- Offseason :... |
2nd |
| 28 | 74 | 07-01-1961 | Dave Sisler Dave Sisler David Michael Sisler was a professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from through . Early in his career, Sisler was a starter, then later was used as a middle reliever and occasionally as a closer... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
9th |
| 29 | 75 | 07-02-1961 | Pete Burnside Pete Burnside Peter Willits Burnside , was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from - for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles.... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
3rd |
| 30 | 75 | 07-02-1961 | Johnny Klippstein Johnny Klippstein John Calvin Klippstein was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball for a number of teams throughout his career. The most prominent portion of his career was spent early on with the Chicago Cubs . In 18 years, he finished with an 101-118 record and a 4.24 ERA in 711 games... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
7th |
| 31 | 77 | 07-04-1961 | Frank Lary Frank Lary Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961... |
Detroit Tigers | 8th |
| 32 | 78 | 07-05-1961 | Frank Funk Frank Funk (baseball player) Franklin Ray Funk is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played from 1960-1963 for the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Braves. During a 4-year baseball career, he compiled 20 wins, 150 strikeouts, and a 3.01 ERA. Born in Washington, D.C., he was signed by the New York Giants as an... |
Cleveland Indians | 7th |
| 33 | 82 | 07-09-1961 | Bill Monbouquette Bill Monbouquette William Charles Monbouquette is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher... |
Boston Red Sox | 7th |
| 34 | 84 | 07-13-1961 | Early Wynn Early Wynn Early Wynn Jr. , nicknamed "Gus", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 25-year baseball career, he pitched for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox... |
Chicago White Sox | 1st |
| 35 | 86 | 07-15-1961 | Ray Herbert Ray Herbert Raymond Ernest Herbert was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played fourteen seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. He won 20 games with the White Sox in and was selected to play in the All-Star game. The following season, he led... |
Chicago White Sox | 3rd |
| 36 | 92 | 07-21-1961 | Bill Monbouquette | Boston Red Sox | 1st |
| 37 | 95 | 07-25-1961 | Frank Baumann Frank Baumann (baseball) Frank Matt Baumann is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs . He batted and threw left-handed.... |
Chicago White Sox | 4th |
| 38 | 95 | 07-25-1961 | Don Larsen Don Larsen Donald James Larsen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1953-67 for seven different teams. Larsen is best known for pitching the sixth perfect game in baseball history, doing so in game 5 of the 1956 World Series... |
Chicago White Sox | 8th |
| 39 | 96 | 07-25-1961 | Russ Kemmerer Russ Kemmerer Russell Paul Kemmerer is an American retired professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox , the Washington Senators , the Chicago White Sox , and the Houston Colt .45s to finish his career.He attended the University of Pittsburgh.He debuted for the... |
Chicago White Sox | 4th |
| 40 | 96 | 07-25-1961 | Warren Hacker Warren Hacker Warren Louis Hacker was an American professional baseball player, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Cincinnatiu Redlegs , Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox... |
Chicago White Sox | 7th |
| 41 | 106 | 08-04-1961 | Camilo Pascual Camilo Pascual Camilo Alberto Pascual is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During an 18-year baseball career , he played for the Washington Senators , the second Washington Senators franchise, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cleveland Indians... |
Minnesota Twins 1961 Minnesota Twins season The Minnesota Twins season was a season in American baseball. The team finished with a record of 70-90, seventh in the American League, which had expanded from 8 to 10 teams during the 1960-61 offseason. It was the franchise's first season in Minnesota after 60 seasons in Washington, D.C.... |
1st |
| 42 | 114 | 08-11-1961 | Pete Burnside Pete Burnside Peter Willits Burnside , was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from - for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles.... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
5th |
| 43 | 115 | 08-12-1961 | Dick Donovan | Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
4th |
| 44 | 116 | 08-13-1961 | Bennie Daniels Bennie Daniels Bennie Daniels Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1957-1965 for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Senators... |
Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
4th |
| 45 | 117 | 08-13-1961 | Marty Kutyna | Washington Senators 1961 Washington Senators season The Washington Senators season was a season in American baseball. The team was in its inaugural season, having been established as a replacement for the previous franchise of the same name, which relocated to the Twin Cities of Minnesota following the 1960 season, becoming the Minnesota Twins... |
1st |
| 46 | 118 | 08-15-1961 | Juan Pizarro Juan Pizarro Juan Ramon Pizarro Cordova is a former major league baseball pitcher.-Milwaukee Braves:Juan Pizarro signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent in 1956. After going 27-6 with a 2.06 earned run average in the minors, he made his major league debut on May 4, 1957 against the Pittsburgh... |
Chicago White Sox | 4th |
| 47 | 119 | 08-16-1961 | Billy Pierce Billy Pierce Walter William Pierce is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Chicago White Sox. He was the team's star pitcher between 1952 and 1961, and was named the American League's top pitcher in 1956 and 1957 after being runner-up in both 1953... |
Chicago White Sox | 1st |
| 48 | 119 | 08-16-1961 | Billy Pierce Billy Pierce Walter William Pierce is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Chicago White Sox. He was the team's star pitcher between 1952 and 1961, and was named the American League's top pitcher in 1956 and 1957 after being runner-up in both 1953... |
Chicago White Sox | 3rd |
| 49 | 124 | 08-20-1961 | Jim Perry | Cleveland Indians | 3rd |
| 50 | 125 | 08-22-1961 | Ken McBride Ken McBride Kenneth Faye McBride is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. The 6'0", . righty was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent before the 1954 season... |
Los Angeles Angels | 6th |
| 51 | 129 | 08-26-1961 | Jerry Walker Jerry Walker Jerry Allen Walker is a former right-handed pitcher in American Major League Baseball who performed for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians between and .... |
Kansas City Athletics | 6th |
| 52 | 135 | 09-02-1961 | Frank Lary Frank Lary Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961... |
Detroit Tigers | 6th |
| 53 | 135 | 09-02-1961 | Hank Aguirre Hank Aguirre Henry John "Hank" Aguirre was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and Chicago Cubs... |
Detroit Tigers | 8th |
| 54 | 140 | 09-06-1961 | Tom Cheney | Washington Senators | 4th |
| 55 | 141 | 09-07-1961 | Dick Stigman Dick Stigman Richard Lewis Stigman is a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1960-1966. He graduated from Sebeka High School in Sebeka, Minnesota. Dick was signed as an amateur free agent by the Cleveland Indians in . He would play for the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland... |
Cleveland Indians | 3rd |
| 56 | 143 | 09-09-1961 | Mudcat Grant Mudcat Grant James Timothy "Mudcat" Grant is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cleveland Indians , Minnesota Twins , Los Angeles Dodgers , Montreal Expos , St. Louis Cardinals , Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates... |
Cleveland Indians | 7th |
| 57 | 151 | 09-16-1961 | Frank Lary Frank Lary Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961... |
Detroit Tigers | 3rd |
| 58 | 152 | 09-17-1961 | Terry Fox | Detroit Tigers | 12th |
| 59 | 155 | 09-20-1961 | Milt Pappas Milt Pappas Milton Steven "Milt" Pappas is a former professional baseball pitcher... |
Baltimore Orioles 1961 Baltimore Orioles season The 1961 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 3rd in the American League with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses, 14 games behind the AL and World Series champion New York Yankees... |
3rd |
| 60 | 159 | 09-26-1961 | Jack Fisher Jack Fisher John Howard Fisher was a Major League Baseball pitcher. The right-hander was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent on June 24, 1957. He played for the Orioles , San Francisco Giants , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , and Cincinnati Reds... |
Baltimore Orioles 1961 Baltimore Orioles season The 1961 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 3rd in the American League with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses, 14 games behind the AL and World Series champion New York Yankees... |
3rd |
| 61 | 162 | 10-01-1961 | Tracy Stallard Tracy Stallard Evan Tracy Stallard is a retired American professional baseball player, a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1960 to 1966. He played with the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and St... |
Boston Red Sox 1961 Boston Red Sox season The Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.- Regular season :Future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski made his major league debut on Opening Day, April 11... |
4th |
Monthly record
| Month | Games | Won | Lost | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 15 | 9 | 5 | .643 |
| May | 26 | 14 | 12 | .538 |
| June | 32 | 22 | 10 | .688 |
| July | 29 | 20 | 9 | .690 |
| August | 31 | 22 | 9 | .710 |
| September | 29 | 21 | 8 | .724 |
| October | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.000 |
Record vs. American League
| Opponent | Games | Won | Lost | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles | 19 | 9 | 9 | .500 |
| Boston Red Sox | 18 | 13 | 5 | .722 |
| Chicago White Sox | 18 | 12 | 6 | .667 |
| Cleveland Indians | 18 | 14 | 4 | .778 |
| Detroit Tigers | 18 | 10 | 8 | .556 |
| Kansas City Athletics | 18 | 14 | 4 | .778 |
| Los Angeles Angels | 18 | 12 | 6 | .667 |
| Minnesota Twins | 18 | 14 | 4 | .778 |
| Washington Senators | 18 | 11 | 7 | .611 |
Notable transactions
- May 8, 1961: Lee ThomasLee Thomas (baseball)James Leroy "Lee" Thomas is a former player and front-office executive in American Major League Baseball...
, Ryne DurenRyne DurenRinold George "Ryne" Duren was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.He was known for the combination of his blazing fastball and his very poor vision. With his thick coke bottle glasses, few batters dared to dig in against Duren...
, and Johnny JamesJohnny JamesJohn Phillip James is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels between and . James was originally signed by the Yankees in . He batted left-handed but threw right-handed, and he was 5'10", 160 pounds...
was traded by the Yankees to the Los Angeles Angels for Bob Cerv and Tex ClevengerTex ClevengerTruman Eugene "Tex" Clevenger is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher/spot starter who played for the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees from 1954-1962. He was 6'1" tall and 180 pounds, and threw and batted right-handed. He attended Fresno State...
. - July 1, 1961: Roy WhiteRoy WhiteRoy Hilton White is a former American professional baseball player and coach. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees between 1965 and 1979....
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Yankees.
Roster
| 1961 New York Yankees | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Player stats
| = Indicates team leader |
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 129 | 446 | 155 | .348 | 21 | 77 | |
| 1B | 150 | 561 | 150 | .267 | 28 | 89 | |
| 2B | 162 | 662 | 173 | .261 | 3 | 49 | |
| 3B | 148 | 504 | 113 | .224 | 11 | 55 | |
| SS | 153 | 617 | 170 | .276 | 8 | 46 | |
| LF | 119 | 395 | 107 | .271 | 22 | 61 | |
| CF | 153 | 514 | 163 | .317 | 54 | 128 | |
| RF | 161 | 590 | 159 | .269 | 61 | 142 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | 243 | 54 | .222 | 3 | 22 | |
| 93 | 243 | 74 | .305 | 21 | 54 | |
| 57 | 118 | 32 | .271 | 6 | 20 | |
| 41 | 99 | 21 | .212 | 1 | 2 | |
| 30 | 41 | 6 | .146 | 0 | 2 | |
| 13 | 19 | 2 | .105 | 0 | 2 | |
| 22 | 18 | 2 | .111 | 0 | 0 | |
| 28 | 13 | 2 | .154 | 0 | 1 | |
| 11 | 13 | 2 | .154 | 1 | 1 | |
| 15 | 12 | 4 | .333 | 0 | 3 | |
| 9 | 8 | 2 | .250 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | .500 | 0 | 0 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 283 | 25 | 4 | 3.21 | 209 | |
| 31 | 188.1 | 16 | 3 | 3.15 | 86 | |
| 36 | 195 | 14 | 9 | 2.68 | 101 | |
| 23 | 129.2 | 8 | 9 | 3.96 | 83 | |
| 15 | 72 | 3 | 5 | 5.75 | 48 |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 162.2 | 11 | 5 | 3.60 | 84 | |
| 43 | 141.1 | 11 | 5 | 3.44 | 80 | |
| 12 | 54.1 | 2 | 3 | 4.64 | 24 | |
| 8 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 7.62 | 8 | |
| 5 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8.00 | 12 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 119 | 15 | 5 | 29 | 2.19 | 87 | |
| 25 | 45.1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2.58 | 21 | |
| 21 | 31.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4.83 | 14 | |
| 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5.40 | 7 | |
| 1 | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 2 | |
| 1 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54.00 | 0 |
1961 World Series
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Awards and honors
- Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
, American League MVP - Roger Maris, Associated Press Athlete of the YearAssociated Press Athlete of the YearThe first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
- Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
, Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955... - Whitey Ford, Babe Ruth AwardBabe Ruth AwardThe Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to the MVP of the World Series, one...
1961 All-Star Game
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
- Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
, starter, pitcher - Tony KubekTony KubekAnthony Christopher "Tony" Kubek is a retired American professional baseball player and television broadcaster....
, starter, shortstop - Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
, starter, center field - Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
, starter, right field - Luis ArroyoLuis ArroyoLuis Enrique "Tite" Arroyo, , is a former major league baseball pitcher.-Baseball career:Luis Arroyo, from Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, made his Major League Baseball debut on April 20, 1955. A stocky left-hander, he spent one season primarily as a starter with the St. Louis Cardinals...
, reserve - Yogi BerraYogi BerraLawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra is a former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
, reserve - Elston HowardElston HowardElston Gene Howard was an American Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach. During a 14-year baseball career, he played from 1955–1968, primarily for the New York Yankees...
, reserve - Bill Skowron, reserve
League leaders
- Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
, led league in innings: (283) - Whitey Ford, led league in games started: (39)
- Whitey Ford, led league in batters faced: (1,159)
- Roger Maris, Major League Baseball home run champion, (61)
Franchise records
- Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
, Yankees single season record, home runs in a season: (61) - Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
, Yankees single season record, home runs by a center fielder: (54)
Team leaders
- Home Runs – Roger Maris (61)
- RBI - Roger Maris (142)
- Batting Average – Elston Howard (.348)
- Hits - Bobby Richardson (173)
- Stolen Bases – Mickey Mantle (12)
- Walks - Mickey Mantle (126)
- Wins - Whitey Ford (25)
- Earned Run Average - Luis Arroyo (2.19)
- Strikeouts – Whitey Ford (209)
Farm system
Harlan affiliation shared with Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...