DiMaggio, Joseph Paul

▪ 2000

“The Yankee Clipper”; “Joltin' Joe” 

      American professional baseball player (b. Nov. 25, 1914, Martinez, Calif.—d. March 8, 1999, Hollywood, Fla.), combined power, grace, and class as a centre fielder for the New York Yankees (1936–42, 1946–51) to become one of baseball's greatest all-around players and one of the country's most beloved heroes, immortalized in literature and song. He led the Yankees to nine World Series championships (1936–39, 1941, 1947, 1949–51) and set a major league record with his 56-game hitting streak. DiMaggio, the eighth of nine children, grew up in San Francisco; his brothers Dominic and Vincent also became professional players. Though his father, a crab fisherman, discouraged him from playing baseball, DiMaggio joined the local minor league team, the Seals, in 1932 and during his rookie season hit safely in 61 consecutive games. Four years later he made his professional debut, and he quickly became known for his seemingly effortless play in the outfield and his powerful, controlled swing at the plate. In 13 seasons with the Yankees—he missed three years owing to military service (1943–45)—DiMaggio amassed a .325 lifetime average with 2,214 hits and 361 home runs. His famous 56-game hitting streak, which lasted from May 15 until July 16, 1941, remained one of baseball's most remarkable feats. He was the first rookie to play in an All-Star game and was named to the squad every year he donned a uniform. In 1939, 1941, and 1947 he won the American League's Most Valuable Player title, and many considered him the game's greatest centre fielder. In 1949 DiMaggio became the first player to make $100,000 per year. Soon after, however, age and persistent injuries began to take their toll, and on Dec. 11, 1951, he announced his retirement. Even away from the diamond, however, the shy and intensely private DiMaggio continued to attract attention, especially in 1954 during his marriage to movie star Marilyn Monroe, which ended in divorce after nine months. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. Throughout his later years DiMaggio tended to avoid the spotlight, though he did make appearances as a product spokesman in television commercials.

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