Born November 25, 1914, in Martinez, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder Joe DiMaggio. This legend played his entire career in the MLB for the New York Yankees. During those thirteen seasons, he collected nine World Series rings, an All-Star selection every year he played (he missed three serving his country during WWII), two batting titles, and three MVPS. Known by many by his nicknames of "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," his hitting streak of 56 consecutive games in 1941 is one of the most iconic records in sports history.
Sports History
Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggio biography sketch
Known by many by his nicknames of "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," his hitting streak of 56 consecutive games in 1941 is one of the most iconic records in sports history.
1947 WS Game 6 - Al Gionfriddo robs Joe DiMaggio of homer video
In the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 6 of the 1947 World Series, the score was tied 8-8 with two outs and runners on first and second for the New York Yankees. The tension was palpable as Joe DiMaggio, Yankee legend and "Joltin' Joe," stepped up to bat against Dodgers pitcher Joe Hatten.
DiMaggio launched a powerful line drive deep into left-center field. It seemed destined to be a game-changing extra-base hit, potentially putting the Yankees ahead and potentially changing the course of the Series.
However, Dodgers manager Burt Shotton had made a risky decision earlier in the inning, replacing regular left fielder Eddie Miksis with defensive specialist Al Gionfriddo. This gamble paid off in spectacular fashion.
Gionfriddo, known for his speed and acrobatic catches, sprinted back towards the outfield wall, tracking the ball's trajectory. With a leaping, one-handed grab, he snagged the ball just before it hit the ground, robbing DiMaggio of a potential homerun and securing the final out of the inning.
This iconic catch, often referred to as "The Catch," not only preserved the score and momentum for the Dodgers but also became a turning point in the Series. The Dodgers went on to win Game 6 and eventually the entire World Series, etching Gionfriddo's name in baseball history.
A Rare Moment in Baseball History
November 6, 1938, was a day of a first in baseball, even though the MLB season was long done. The very famous Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees finally got to play a game where his less-remembered brothers, Vince and Dom, were on his team. The siblings teamed up in a West Coast charity exhibition made of All-Stars from professional teams.
This Day in Baseball May 23
Baseball History on June 17 from Baseball Almanac
The Baseball Almanac website carries a plethora of June 17 events like:
1941 - Joe DiMaggio is credited with a hit in his 30th consecutive game when an easy grounder to short bounces up and hits Luke Appling on the shoulder.
The DiMaggio Brothers
An article that looks at the MLB careers of Joe DiMaggio and those of his siblings Dom DiMaggio and Vince DiMaggio
June 19 Baseball History
Joe DiMaggio
Born November 25, 1914, in Martinez, California, was Joe DiMaggio. : The Official Site of Joe DiMaggio. The Yankee Clipper was a Baseball Hall of Fame, Center Fielder, Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and First Baseman wearing the Number 5 on the New York Yankees from 1937-51, for 12 seasons as he batted 0.325 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.579, with 361 career Home Runs. He is one of the most iconic names in MLB history. Jumpin' Joe is one of the Top Baseball Jersey Number 5s in History.
This Day in Baseball May 12
April 29 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 14 - 9 April 29, 1892 - Charlie Reilly of the Philadelphia Phillies becomes Major League Baseball's first pinch hitt...
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April 28 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 20 - 21 - 1 April 28, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's pitcher Bock Baker had a really bad day on the mound. The left hander gave&...
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Athletes have been using their positions and public stature to stand up for political and social justice beliefs quite a bit recently. Perhaps the era of the most frequency took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Author and historian Dr. Gregory J. Kaliss joins us to discuss this his...
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April 27 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 4 - 5 - 32 - 12 - 11 - 30 April 27, 1926 - Mel Ott, who during his career wore Numbers 3, 4 and 5 (but not until 19...
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April 26 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 53 - 34 - 24 - 53 April 26, 1905 - Chicago Cubs left fielder, Jack McCarthy becomes only major league player to throw out...
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April 25 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 2 - 14 - 1 - 18 - 34 April 25, 1901 - Erve Beck of the Cleveland Blues hit the American League's first home run. Ap...