By: Meagan Wood
On This Date in Baseball History, Smokies Broadcaster Mick Gillispie, discusses the beginning of what will become Joe DiMaggio’s Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees. It all began when DiMaggio, then playing in a semi-pro league, filled in at shortstop for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League. The following May, DiMaggio would go on a hitting streak earning at least one hit in 61 consecutive games.
“Getting a daily hit became more important to me than eating, drinking or sleeping,” said the late DiMaggio.
The following season would be a great testing point as DiMaggio was disabled from torn ligaments in his knee. It was a believing scout that pushed for DiMaggio, that allowed him to hang around another season. DiMaggio did more than return, 1935 was the moment fans saw the hall-of-famer unleash a season where he hit .398 with 154 RBIs, 34 home-runs and led the Seals to the PCL title. It was all up from there as DiMaggio found himself on the field at Yankee Stadium, this date in baseball history. DiMaggio would go on to lead the Yankees to nine titles in 13 years.
Click the link below to listen in to Mick tell the story:
Andrew Green
James Rowe
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