DiMaggio << duh MAH jee `oh` >>, Joe (1914-1999), was one of the greatest outfielders in baseball history. He played his entire career, from 1936 through 1951, with the New York Yankees. DiMaggio was nicknamed “the Yankee Clipper” because of his graceful fielding and “Joltin’ Joe” because of his powerful hitting. DiMaggio hit safely in 56 straight games in 1941, a major league record. He had a lifetime batting average of .325 and hit 361 home runs in 1,736 games. DiMaggio played in 10 World Series. He was voted the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1939, 1941, and 1947. In 1948, he led the league with 39 home runs and 155 runs batted in.
Joseph Paul DiMaggio was born on Nov. 25, 1914, in Martinez, California. Two of his brothers, Dominic (Dom) and Vincent, also played major league baseball. DiMaggio was briefly married to movie star Marilyn Monroe in 1954. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. DiMaggio died on March 8, 1999.
