Roger Maris, State Champion on the baseball team for the American Legion program for Fargo, North Dakota high school in 1952. Later he played for the New York Yankees as an outfielder and is best known for hitting sixty-one home runs in 1961. His 61 in '61 set a new major league baseball record, breaking Babe Ruth's previous mark of 60 hit in 1927.
A gifted, but humble athlete.
"Former high school coach Sid Cichy said that Maris was “obviously a gifted athlete. He could do everything, and he did do some pretty unusual things.” One of those was scoring four touchdowns on returns (kick, punt, interception) in one game, a high school football record that still stands. Maris' skills as a high school running back even earned him a scholarship to famed Oklahoma University football program, an opportunity he initially accepted but eventually passed up to remain in Fargo.
Remembered for being humble.
Even with all his success, Maris’ early days are remembered more for his devotion to his faith and family than football or baseball." Quoted from RogerMaris Museum.com
--Recommended addition by Joe North
A gifted, but humble athlete.
"Former high school coach Sid Cichy said that Maris was “obviously a gifted athlete. He could do everything, and he did do some pretty unusual things.” One of those was scoring four touchdowns on returns (kick, punt, interception) in one game, a high school football record that still stands. Maris' skills as a high school running back even earned him a scholarship to famed Oklahoma University football program, an opportunity he initially accepted but eventually passed up to remain in Fargo.
Remembered for being humble.
Even with all his success, Maris’ early days are remembered more for his devotion to his faith and family than football or baseball." Quoted from RogerMaris Museum.com
--Recommended addition by Joe North
Tateum Valentine played girls softball shortstop for John Jay High in New York. Her team won the AA State Champions Title in 2011. Despite having a knee injury and being double jointed, Valentine fought through and she admits she is sweet and kind off the field, but when she is on the field, "...it's WAR!"
Cal Ripken played second base to begin his high school career, then they needed a pitcher and he was drafted. His batting average for Aberdeen HS in Maryland was .688 at one point and he struck out 17 and allowed two hits in the state championship which they won in 1977.
Cal went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles for the rest of his life, winning the World Series in 1983. Later he broke the world record for consecutive games played with 2216. He has donated to numerous charities and even gives game tickets to underprivileged children!
Cal went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles for the rest of his life, winning the World Series in 1983. Later he broke the world record for consecutive games played with 2216. He has donated to numerous charities and even gives game tickets to underprivileged children!