Roger Maris is probably one of the most misunderstood heroes in baseball. Even today, after nearly 40 years, Maris has yet to reach his rightful place in baseball history, the Baseball Hall of Fame. Roger Maris had the perfect life from Hibbing, Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota, where he grew up. His young life was marked by athletics. He excelled in many sports, not just baseball. Roger was rich in football and athletics, among others. His baseball career began with the Cleveland Indians in 1957 and he was traded to the Kansas City Athletics in 1958. In 1966, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Maris retired from baseball after the 1968 season. Roger Maris was born in the small town of Hibbing, Minnesota. He lived there only a few years until he moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he remained until he was ten years old. Maris began to realize his talent for athletics during these years. His father remembered that Roger could always play sports better than all the other kids. Specifically, he recalls that no other kid in the neighborhood could match the distance Roger could hit the baseball. He was one of the fastest members of the track team. He also played an important role on the basketball and football teams. He was a local stickball champion, being the only one who could hit the ball nearly 200 yards. Rogers' family later moved to Fargo, North Dakota. His athletic skills were never used to their potential by the school, so he changed high schools to Shanley High School where he was more appreciated. His football, athletics and basketball talents were used to their fullest and Roger gained local fame. Like many other baseball stars, Roger Maris began his career in American Legion baseball. He played the field and he also pitched. In this league, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1950 North Dakota championship team. After graduating, Roger had to choose between football and baseball. It was a tough choice for him and he could go far in both sports. Thank goodness for baseball he chose it. He briefly considered college, but turned down the University of Oklahoma and many other colleges that made him offers. A scouting report written by Frank Fahey in 1950 resurfaced in 1961, and as a result of this, the Cleveland Indians asked him to attend a tryout camp..