The Greatest Teams (according to TCMA) - 1961 Yankees

 

Edit: This is a series of posts about TCMA's set from 1987 highlighting some of the best ever teams in MLB history.

The 1961 Yankees were a powerful team.  The starting lineup with Mantle, Maris and Skowron was as formidable as any team and would make any opposing pitcher nervous.  This team finished with 109-53-1 record and easily won the World Series (4-1) over the Reds.  

Of course Maris was best known for breaking Ruth's single season home run record with 61 while hitting .269.  Mantle hit .317 and added 54 HR's (the team had 6 players smack 20 or more HR's).

Now you can debate whether or not Maris deserved the MVP, but I'm fine with it.

This is the only team set to feature 7 players and the manager.

The pitching staff did pretty well, finishing 2nd or 3rd in most statistical categories but TCMA chose to to include only 1 pitcher - Whitey Ford (25-4, 3.21).

While TCMA treated us to posed photos (at least they are in color),  overall I find the design of this team set to be rather lackluster and the border isn't true 'yankee blue'.  It's really not a good way to honor one of baseball's greatest teams.  Last up:  1969 Mets.