
61* is a gripping drama centered on the 1961 baseball season when teammates Roger Maris (played by Barry Pepper) and Mickey Mantle (played by Thomas Jane) both competed to break Babe Ruth's iconic single-season home run record. Set against the backdrop of intense media scrutiny and divided fan loyalties, the film explores the pressures and personal struggles faced by both athletes as they chase baseball history. Interesting trivia: 1) Barry Pepper, who portrayed Roger Maris, is known for his meticulous preparation and spent time studying archival footage of Maris to accurately capture his mannerisms. 2) The title '61*' refers to the asterisk that was controversially considered by some due to the longer 162-game season, which was a point of historical debate depicted in the film. 3) The production paid close attention to period-accurate details, with the baseball scenes filmed using vintage equipment and uniforms to authentically recreate the early 1960s atmosphere.