The summer of 1961 will always be known as The Summer of The Great Home Run Race, as Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle each vied to best Babe Ruth's single season home run record of 60. Since Ruth had set that mark in 1927, some had come close (Jimmy Foxx and Hank Greenburg, who each swatted 58 long balls in the 1930s, were the closest), but it had been more than a decade since any player even homered in the mid-50s. The race to beat Ruth is the Greatest Moment in Yankee History for the 1960s.

Since as soon as May and June of the 1961 season, it was clear that the race was on. During that period, Maris hit 26 long balls and Mantle was just behind him at 25. Of course, the nation (sports and otherwise) became enthralled with the race to catch or pass the Babe. The home run race took over the sports pages on a daily basis and sportswriters began to play up a rivalry between Maris and Mantle (or the "M&M Boys", as they were coined).

By the beginning of July, it looked like both Maris and Mantle might break Ruth's record, as they both were ahead of Ruth's pace in his 1927 season. By September 1, Maris had 51 long balls and Mantle had 48. An unfortunate injury to the Mick put him out of the race and he finished the season with 54 long balls. But Maris kept going and hit his 60th home run on September 26th. Despite the intense pressure, on October 1, the last day of the season, in his second at bat of the day, Maris hit #61, giving him the title of the All-Time Season HR King.

You can relive that memorable summer (after all, memorabilia is all about memories) with this unique and one-of-a-kind package. The highlight is a pair of single signed baseballs, each in amazing condition, one signed by Roger Maris and one signed by Mickey Mantle. The sweet spot signatures are as bold and clear as can be. We have also included an authentic original ticket stub to the Yankees game 162 of the 1961 season, in which Maris set the record.

This package includes letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA for the Maris autographed ball, the Mantle autographed ball and the ticket.