61*

Roger Maris is the quiet, focused teammate who bears the weight of the chase for Ruth’s record. He endures intense media scrutiny while maintaining his own steady, measured approach to the game. His resolve is tested as he balances personal strain with the pressure to perform.

Mickey Mantle is the charismatic Yankees superstar whose popularity draws fans and media attention. He grapples with off-field temptations and fatigue, while his natural talent catalyzes the race toward Ruth’s record. His relationship with Maris blends rivalry with mutual drive.

Pat Maris is Roger Maris's wife who faces the personal strains of a public season. She embodies steadiness under pressure and later faces a hospital stay, illustrating how the chase impacts family life beyond the ballpark.

Claire Ruth is Babe Ruth’s widow who adds a sense of historical gravity to the story through her quiet, observant presence. Her role reflects the living memory of Ruth’s era and the way history weighs on contemporary players.

Ralph Houk is the Yankees manager who experiments with lineups to spark breakthroughs. He represents the strategic pressure on players and the organizational expectations that shape the season’s drama.

Ford Frick is the MLB Commissioner who weighs how Ruth’s record should be treated in a modern era, highlighting the governance side of the sport’s history. His decisions add a meta layer to the chase.

Whitey Ford is Mantle’s teammate and roommate who helps Mantle stay focused, balancing camaraderie with the pressure of high-profile performances.

Bob Cerv is Mantle and Maris’ teammate who helps maintain a stable home environment and provides a practical perspective during the season’s stresses.

Joe DiMaggio appears as a legendary figure who looms over the modern chase, representing past greatness and the expectations borne by new generations of stars.

Sam Simon is a supporting figure who adds texture to the story’s world, reflecting the ensemble nature of the 1961 season and its surrounding social milieu.