Roger Maris’ hometown still considers him Major League Baseball’s home run king.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, North Dakota sign company Newman Outdoor Advertising, has raised two billboards honoring Fargo’s hometown hero’s 61 home runs in 1961, which long stood as MLB’s single-season record but now has an asterisk.
The billboards show Maris in a New York Yankees cap with the words, "Fargo's Maris 'Legitimate' Home Run King."
The city of Fargo has always been proud of Maris.
"He's our boy — Fargo's golden boy," company executive Randy Newman told the Star Tribune. "He was such a gentleman."
Baseball’s steroid era has tainted the game’s single-season home run record. Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa surpassed Maris’ mark, but all three players’ performances have been linked to performance-enhancing drugs.
The Baseball Hall of Fame has echoed Fargo’s sentiment. McGwire has received less than 25 percent of votes in three appearances on the Hall of Fame ballot.
