Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Joe DiMaggio (1949)

Joe DiMaggio is known as one of the greatest baseball players of his time period. Joe’s father was a fisherman and wanted all of his sons to follow in his footsteps. Fortunately for Joe, he would go to the sandlot rather than go fishing with his father. Joe made his debut on May 3, 1936 batting ahead of Yankee, Lou Gehrig. Thanks to Joe, the Yankees won 9 titles in 13 years. In 1941, instead of heading off to war, Joe started his 56 game hitting streak. His talent swept the nation with excitement. While he was becoming a star, Joe was also a newlywed. In 1939 he married Dorothy Arnold and by 1941 they had their first child. Unfortunately, 5 years later the couple divorced. One February 17, 1942 Joe enlisted in the army, but he would be stationed in the United States. His time was spent playing baseball for three years, which is how many ballplayers served their time as well. In the spring of 1946 he was released from the army and began to play for the Yankees again. While in the army, people were still inspired by his performances. After Joe retired he set up a date between him and well known actress Marilyn Monroe. Although Joe was just settling down and Marilyn’s career was just taking off, they married in 1954. Because their personalities were so conflicting, they were divorced less than a year later, but still remained close friends. After her death, Joe sent red roses three times a week to her crypt for 20 years, and never remarried. The legacy of Joe DiMaggio still lives today.

No comments:

Post a Comment