(Credit: MLBPAA)
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) –Nearly seventy years ago, Roger Maris stepped onto a Major League field to play baseball. And this week, his sons are sharing his legacy with a new generation of kids for the 5th annual Roger Maris All-Star week.
“It’s nice that I can pass that down. You know, Dad had a lot of tricks in the trade because there were a lot of stuff he knew, and I’ve learned from all his ex-teammates that you don’t really ever pick up in a book. And to be able to pass it down to the younger generations and to get them to understand what dad was all about and learn his techniques, pretty neat and special for us,” said Kevin Maris.
Roger Maris was 51 when he died from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 1985. Five years later, the former Meritcare established the Roger Maris Cancer Center, which provides treatment and hope to all families who receive care.
“Every time I go around Fargo, I get people coming up to me telling me about their experience at the cancer center. And most have so much passion for their doctor. I mean they can’t talk enough about their doctors, their care teams, stuff like that,” said Roger Maris Jr, Cancer Awareness Activist.
The All-Star week’s funds will be directed back to the cancer center. Fulfilling the vision to expand into a national destination for cancer research, treatment, education, and training.
“My dad was a big, strong guy, and you go from a big, strong guy to a guy that loses everything. You go to the treatments with him and see him suffering through you know, the chemo and the different things he has to do on a day-to-day basis. So it’s amazing where technology has gone now,” said Maris Jr.
As the week continues, it will be filled with Maris’s passion for fitness, youth sports, and a celebration of what he has shared with the community.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and former Vikings player Chad Greenway will be part of Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament on Thursday.
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