The great home run chase of the 1961 American League season was winding down to its final days. Roger Maris was facing equal pressure from those who wanted him to break Babe Ruth's hallowed record of 60 home runs in a season versus those who wanted the Babe's record to stand. After Maris had tied the record at 60, it came down to the 162nd and final game of the season. Roger Maris belted a pitch from Tracy Stallard into the seats and into history to establish a new mark of 61 home runs. That record would stand for 50 years (MLB) and 72 years (AL), respectively. American League umpire Al Salerno was one of the lucky few to actually be on the field that day in 1961 when Maris made history. Salerno was in his first full season as an umpire and enjoyed a surreal ending to his inaugural campaign as one of the umpiring crew from the historic game. After the game, Salerno retained a few baseballs that were used in the game to mark the milestone moment in his young career. As noted within the accompanying letter of provenance from Salerno, he took one of the game balls down to the locker room on October 1, 1961 and had Maris sign it for him. Blue ink signature displays nicely across the sweet spot rating 8 out of 10 importantly in appropriate style/formation confirming the dating period of signing. Salerno signed and inscribed panel underneath, "Yankee Stadium 10-1-61 Game Ball Maris Hits 61st Signed by Him 10-1-61 Al Salerno, A.L. Umpire". The ball itself does in fact exhibit some evidence of use including minor soiling, few abrasions, and area of wear to a side panel. Few additional age toning spots are found on side panel and into the sweet spot. The ball includes a period Joe Cronin American League baseball box with vintage tape on the lid noted "Maris 61st" in black marker. One of the additional Salerno collection baseballs from that day, not signed by Maris, was offered by Christie's in 1998. We were not able to locate any other examples used (signed or unsigned) during that historic October 1, 1961 game. Very significant autographed game used baseball with direct provenance from a primary figure from the record setting game. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA and 1997 signed and notarized letter of provenance from Al Salerno: Ball: EX, Signature: NM-MT