Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, aka “The Yankee Clipper,” was one of the greatest to ever play the game of baseball. He led the New York Yankees to an unbelievable nine world championships in 13 seasons and had a record-setting 56-game hitting streak, a feat still unmatched over 70 years later. We look back Joe DiMaggio, the man and the myth, with some of our favorite videos and photos.
DiMaggio as a San Francisco Seal, shortly before he started playing for the New York Yankees.
Les Brown & His Band of Renown recorded this ditty in honor Joltin’ Joe’s hitting streak.
DiMaggio kisses his bat in 1941, the year he hit safely in 56 consecutive games. That incredible record still stands today.
DiMaggio and Hollywood movie star Marilyn Monroe eloped in January 1954.
Though Marilyn filed for divorce nine months later, DiMaggio felt a strong connection to her. When she died, he had a half-dozen red roses delivered to her grave, three times a week for 20 years.
Read more about Marilyn Monroe
DiMaggio offers some “candid” advice to rookie Mickey Mantle just before the 1951 season. DiMaggio is at the end of his amazing career, Mantle’s is just about to start.
DiMaggio’s younger brother Dom, a center fielder for the rival Boston Red Sox, was a 7-time All-Star. Their older brother Vince also played center field and was a two-time All-Star for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
DiMaggio makes his retirement from baseball official by turning his old New York Yankees’ No. 5 uniform over to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1952 at Yankee Stadium.
DiMaggio gives a speech.
DiMaggio and Ted Williams talk baseball.
Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox (left) and DiMaggio rest their feet after 1941’s hair-raising All-Star Game.
DiMaggio tips his hat to the cheers of fans attending Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium in New York, July 11,1987. He will always be the “Yankee Clipper.”
