Joe DiMaggio's 56-Game Streak

Lore & Background

DiMaggio was a three-time American League Most Valuable Player Award winner and an All-Star in each of his 13 seasons. During his tenure with the Yankees, the club won ten American League pennants and nine World Series championships. His nine career World Series rings put him second only to his fellow Yankee Yogi Berra, who won 10. At the time of his retirement after the 1951 season, he ranked fifth in career home runs (361) and sixth in career slugging percentage (.579). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 and was voted the sport's greatest living player in a poll taken during baseball's centennial year of 1969.

In Their Own Story

The summer air at Yankee Stadium hung heavy with anticipation as the crowd roared for 'Joltin' Joe.' It was late July, and the number etched in the record books was approaching its mythical limit. DiMaggio stepped into the batter's box, his cleats scuffing the dirt of home plate. He adjusted his batting gloves, took a deep breath, and watched the pitcher wind up. The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for another hit that would cement his legacy as the greatest center fielder who ever lived.

Reader's Guide

DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak ran from May 15 to July 16, 1941. It also does not mention Pete Rose or any other player's hitting streak in relation to DiMaggio's record.

Did You Know?

• DiMaggio was born to Italian immigrants in Martinez, California.
• He dropped out of Galileo High School and worked odd jobs before playing professional baseball.
• His brothers Vince and Dom also were major league center fielders.
• DiMaggio is widely known for his marriage and lifelong devotion to Marilyn Monroe.