Joe DiMaggio made his debut on this date in 1936

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

[Brother Buzz]

1. West Coast baseball enthusiasts will tell you he made is professional baseball debut in 1932...

and hit safely in 61 consecutive games in 1933

On July 26, 1933, a 19 year old kid by the name of Joe DiMaggio had his record setting 61 game hitting streak come to an end as his San Francisco Seals prevailed 4-3 over the Oakland Oaks. The 61 games in a row with a hit came 3 years before he found his way to the major leagues and 8 years before he shattered the Major League record with a 56 consecutive games with a base hits.

He wore number five for both clubs

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

2. Thanks for that Brother!

I seem to vaguely recall the 61 gamer too..

[Brother Buzz]

4. Joe DiMaggio's name came up recently in a conversation I had with my mom

Joe DiMaggio threw out the first pitch in game six of the 1962 World Series (to a standing ovation), and my mom was there. This is also the story how my mom ended up in a prime corporate box seat because Pops had a court date.

The Yankees were ahead of the Giants, 3-2, in the series when they returned to the West Coast. Game six was scheduled for a Thursday, and my pops landed a coveted ticket to the game. It was rained out because the Mother-of-all storms swept through. Rain, rain, rain, and more rain, delayed game six for four days. Come Monday, they were able to play the game. That is, after they brought in three helicopters to dry the outfield.

Pops had his ticket, but he also had a Monday court date, so my mom went in his stead. Mom told me how she experienced a bit of stink-eye from the seven corporate executives when she showed up. Mom was undaunted; baseball is baseball. She's also a mathematician and a compulsive counter, and can't watch a game without keeping score. By the fifth inning, they were peering over her shoulder and pummeling her with questions; she became part of the gang.

The Giants won the game, tying the series, but lost game seven: Would have, could have, should have been.

[kelly97]

3. Incredible

Just a brilliant athlete!