Milestones: Dec. 23, 1985

DIED. Roger Maris, 51, slugging outfielder, mostly for the New York Yankees (1960-66), who in 1961 became the first player to hit 61 home runs in a single season, breaking the record 60 set by Babe Ruth in 1927; of lymphatic cancer; in Houston. As the homers piled up, he grimly endured hostile media attention and threats from fans who did not want the revered Ruth’s achievement overturned; Maris’ record carries an asterisk, since it was set in a 162-game season, which was eight games longer than the schedules of Ruth’s day.