Maris

Growing up in North Dakota, you didn't have much to go on. We grew 80% of the world's durum (hence, controlled 80% of the world's pasta). If we seceded and took "our" missiles and bombers with "us", we'd be the world's #3 nuclear power.

And Roger Maris, from Fargo - against whom my Dad played American Legion ball in the early fifties, if memory serves - broke Babe Ruth's record for home runs in a season.

And, as Red notes, he did it 45 years ago today.