Joe DiMaggio
In the summer of 1941, DiMaggio captivated the nation by hitting safely in 56 consecutive games, a record widely considered unbreakable. The streak ran from May 15 to July 16 and made the graceful 'Yankee Clipper' a true American icon.
A Fisherman's Son
Born in Martinez, California, to Italian immigrant parents, DiMaggio was expected to join the family fishing trade. Instead he starred for the San Francisco Seals before the Yankees brought him to New York in 1936.
The Streak
DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941 transfixed a nation on the brink of war. Combining elegance in center field with consistent power at the plate, he became the embodiment of Yankee excellence and grace.
An American Idol
After retiring in 1951, DiMaggio remained a national figure, famously marrying Marilyn Monroe and later being immortalized in song. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955 and revered for decades as a living legend.
Career Timeline
- 1936Makes MLB debut with the New York Yankees
- 1937Leads the AL with 46 home runs
- 1939Wins first AL MVP and batting title
- 1941Sets record 56-game hitting streak; wins MVP
- 1943Enlists in the Army during World War II
- 1947Earns third AL MVP award
- 1949Returns from injury for dramatic Boston series
- 1951Retires after 13 seasons with the Yankees
- 1954Marries actress Marilyn Monroe
- 1955Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame
- 1999Dies of lung cancer at age 84
Biggest Hits
- DiMaggio struck out only 369 times in his entire career while hitting 361 home runs, a nearly even ratio unmatched among great sluggers.
- The eighth of nine children of Italian immigrants, he was the brother of two other Major Leaguers, Vince and Dom DiMaggio.
Portrait: Harris & Ewing · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons