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"Summer of '49"

BW Bob Williams500+ posts
Today, I decided to re-gain the "age of innocence"
by reading the historic book "Summer of '49" by David Halberstam.

On page 46 and 47, David is discussing the great Joe DiMaggio. His deeds remained like a beacon for those who saw him play. A Harvard professor, the Nobel physicist, was also fascinated by DiMaggio. He had run most of the great baseball records through his computer looking for statistical truths.

The computer responded that all but one record was within the range of probability that someone would hit more than 714 HR; 61 in one season and maybe hit
.406 in one season.

The one record, which would defy the computer's probabilities was DiMaggio's 56 consecutive game hit record!!

Bob Williams
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D deldad500+ posts
The amazing thing about Dimaggio is the fact that after the streak ended, he hit in another 16 straight games. He also had a 61 game hit streak in the minors.

As a person, I am not a big fan of Dimaggio, as a hitter he was amazing. He holds one of three baseball records that will NEVER be broken. The other two being the all time wins record and the all time strikeout record.
BW Bob Williams500+ posts
Did you read about his race to his home in the SF Marina as the earthquake was invading SF.
He entered his house and place many thousand $$ in black trash bags and the police allowed Joe to depart the area of "busting" gas lines in the street.

Bob
PS: on one my trip to Australia an Italian restaurant
owner invited me to the Christmas dinner at his home in Adelaide, South Australia. My son and a his friend did not to do to this dinner. I called a taxi and the driver wore a Yankees hat. I asked where did you obtain the cap. He said he was from Vallejo, California and a cousin of Joe DiMaggio.

Of course, the restaurant owner had 5 daughters and they asked "where are the boys" TRUE STORY!

BOB
D deldad500+ posts
Yes I remember that. I in no way want to denigrate one of the greats. I would recommend the book to anyone who wants an in depth look at the personality of an American hero.

I guess everybody has warts, me included. I found my perception of the man very different after I read this book. It in no way diminishes what he did on the field.

I wonder how modern day players like Bonds and A-rod would have been covered in Dimaggio's era? Are we better off knowing every little flaw of the modern day athlete?
Last edited by deldad

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