61*

The Maris family travels to Busch Stadium in St. Louis to witness Mark McGwire's historic pursuit of a 62nd home run. The moment links to Roger Maris's legacy and frames the film's present-day perspective on baseball history.

Pat Maris is hospitalized due to complications from arrhythmia and watches the game on television from her hospital bed. Her condition adds emotional weight to the chase and underscores the personal cost of the record pursuit.

Maris is presented with the Most Valuable Player award for the 1960 season in a formal ceremony. The moment contrasts with Mantle's rising superstardom and sets the stage for the famous M and M dynamic.

Mickey Mantle begins the season with strong hitting while Roger Maris fights to find his rhythm. The contrasting fortunes foreshadow the late-season duel as both players push toward Ruth's record.

Manager Ralph Houk tests a different arrangement by swapping Mantle and Maris in the lineup. The move aims to spark both hitters and initially yields better results.

Mantle and Maris push toward a record pace as the season unfolds. Their friendly competition drives the team to better performance and elevates the chase in the public eye.

To help Mantle stay out of trouble, Maris and teammate Bob Cerv invite him to share a modest home in Queens with a rule of no women. The arrangement creates a makeshift family while the season progresses.

New York fans and media rally around Mantle, while Maris is perceived as aloof by some. The public dynamic increases pressure on Maris as the chase continues.

Commissioner Ford Frick announces that Ruths 60 home runs will be counted as a separate mark because of the season expansion. The decision reshapes the way the record is perceived and adds tension to Maris's pursuit.

Mantle's health declines as he plays through pain and a string of injuries. The mounting strain affects his performance and the fan reaction grows louder.

Maris becomes the target of intense media scrutiny as reporters dissect his every move. He begins receiving hate mail and threats, making the spotlight feel oppressive.

An injection given for Mantle's hip problems leads to further complications and lands him in the hospital. With Mantle out of the lineup, Maris nears the prime window to chase the record.

The Yankees owner tries to leverage the pursuit to push a Mantle Maris lineup swap. Houk refuses because the redesigned lineup has yielded wins, and the team sticks with the arrangement.

Maris comes up short of Babe Ruths 60 homer mark in the 154th game of the season. He then hits his 61st home run in the final game, sealing the core arc of the pursuit.