How do you really feel, Roger?

Roger Maris

After Tony Kubek triples with one out in the bottom of the first inning, Roger Maris stuns the Cleveland Indians 63 years ago today with a bunt single to score Kubek for a 1-0 lead in a game New York eventually wins 7-3 at Yankee Stadium.

Maris in his next at-bat hits a solo homer to deep right field off Cleveland starter Dick Stigman, giving him 55 home runs for the 1961 season on his way to a then-record 61.

Maris follows that with another single in the sixth inning and a sacrifice fly in the seventh before a Thursday night crowd of 18,549 in the Bronx.

Nice night at the yard, right?

No matter. After the game, the New York sports writers – being, well, the oft-caustic bunch that they are – want to know more why the power-hitting Maris opts to bunt for an RBI single in the first inning rather than swing for the fences.

“Trying to win the game, you stupid m---------,” Maris barks at the ink-stained wretches. “Why do you think?”