Baseball Way Back: How author Andy Strasberg forged a lifetime friendship with his hero Roger Maris

When Andy Strasberg was a 13-year-old growing up in New York and rooting for Roger Maris' Yankees, little did he realize that he would enjoy the rare pleasure of a lifetime friendship with his hero.

Strasberg, author of "My 1961," spoke about this friendship and the insight he gained about this iconic baseball figure.

Strasberg's Maris awareness was awakened after the Kansas City Athletics traded the outfielder to the Bronx - the Yankees and the A's made a series of trades in those days, most of which seemed to benefit the Yankees.

His interest was further kindled by a November 1960 article in Sport Magazine, "Roger Maris rejuvenates the Yankees."

"At 12, I had no idea what the word rejuvenated meant. I looked it up and thought, how is that possible?"

The more Strasberg read, the more Maris appealed to him. Strasberg was looking for a role model -- and Maris was an unselfish player, a team player and a family man.

In 1962, Strasberg's family allowed him to attend games unchaperoned.

He said he would get to the ballpark four hours before the game so he could get Maris' autograph and talk to him.

But every time Maris exited his car and walked across the street to Yankee Stadium, "I couldn't. I was too nervous. I just couldn't do it. And so I figured the only way to communicate with him would be to write a note."

In a few sentences, he would write to Maris his impressions of the games.

"I was very supportive and signed, 'Your number one fan,'" he said.

"It got to the point where he'd get out of his car, and kids would rush over for an autograph. Rog would reach over the kids for my note, take it, put it in his pocket and walk into Yankee Stadium."

As soon as the gates were open, Strasberg would run to his customary spot behind the 344 foot sign in Yankee Stadium's right field. "Eventually, he got to know me. I don't know if it was being persistent or being a pest. But he started to know me."

Whenever Maris would strike out and the fans would boo, "I'd be the only guy in right field that would say, 'Don't worry Rog, you'll get them next time.'"

In 1965, Strasberg asked Maris for one of his home run balls and one of his bats.

Maris responded, "The next time I crack a bat, I'll give it to you."

However, as for the home run ball, "You're going to have to catch it."

At a game later that season, Strasberg stationed himself at his usual post in the right field seats during batting practice.

"Here comes Roger out to right field, but before he shags some fly balls, he comes up to me and says, 'I've got that bat for you. Just before the game starts, come to the dugout, and I'll give it to you.'"

Moments before the first pitch, Strasberg went to the dugout, where Maris presented him with the bat.

"It was the confirmation of a promise from my idol."

The relationship continued as Strasberg entered the University of Akron in the fall of 1966.

In his dorm room over his bed, he had a picture with Maris that was taken in Yankee Stadium. He told everyone he was good friends with Roger Maris.

Following the 1966 season, Maris was traded to the Cardinals, and Strasberg immediately switched his allegiance to St. Louis.

As the 1967 season started, a couple of buddies mentioned the Cardinals were playing the Pirates, suggesting, "Why don't we go to Forbes Field (in Pittsburgh), so you can introduce us to your good friend Roger Maris?"

Strasberg was nervous during the two-and-a-half-hour drive with his four buddies.

"We get to the ballpark about a half an hour before the game starts. My pals are behind me. I see Roger's warming up and wearing uniform number 9.

"This is the moment of truth because he had never seen me other than at Yankee Stadium. In a hesitant voice I say, 'Hey, Rog. Rog.' He turns around, looks at me and says, 'Andy Strasberg. What the hell are you doing here?'"

Strasberg explained in a now confident voice that his college buddies wanted to meet him.

"Well, they lined up as if it was a wedding reception for the introduction," he said.

After the meet-and-greet the game was about to begin.

Superstitious about Maris' number 9, Strasberg went out to right field and sat in row 9, seat 9. It also happened to be May 9.

In the sixth inning, Maris stepped into the batter's box against pitcher Woody Fryman and hit his first National League home run.

Strasberg caught the ball, fufilling the second part of his Maris wish list.

Maris retired from baseball in 1968. Strasberg went to St. Louis to see his hero play his last regular season game.

The following week The Sporting News did a front page retirement story on Roger Maris.

In the story, Roger acknowledged Strasberg as his most loyal fan.

Strasberg himself began working in baseball, including 22 years in the front office for the San Diego Padres.

"One of the reasons I got into baseball is because Roger Maris provided such a memorable, positive experience throughout my life. Naturally I wanted to be part of the game."

In 2000 Strasberg was hired as a consultant for the HBO movie "61*."

Halfway through the movie, Billy Crystal offered Strasberg the chance to appear in the movie as an umpire.

Strasberg wasn't interested. He explained to Crystal that he wanted to be the fan who comes out of the stands, shakes Maris' hand and pats him on the back after he slugs his 61st homer. Crystal agreed to the cameo.

Strasberg is still in touch with the Maris family and he communicated with them during Aaron Judge's historic 2022 season. Judge broke Maris' AL single season home run record on Oct. 4 when Judge hit his 62nd.

Perhaps the most incredible part of Strasberg's lifetime friendship with the Maris family is that Roger's grandson is named Andrew, and Strasberg is his godfather.