I just loved David Halberstam’s book, The Teammates: A Portrait of Friendship. It tells the tale of Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky and Bobby Doerr’s last visit to see their friend, Ted Williams, before he died. It was the story of 4 friends who shared more than a love for the national past time.
I am reminded today because another of those friends passed away. While watching a replay of last night’s Red Sox victory over the Indians, Dom DiMaggio passed away. The brother of Jolting Joe DiMaggio, he was a superb player in his own right- being a 7-time All-Star. Ironic that he was the brother and teammate to the 2 greatest hitters of that era, and all-time. Williams is the last man to his .400, and his .406 may never be eclipsed. Joe’s 56-game hitting streak, the same season, is also most likely untouchable. More irony, Dom holds the Red Sox hitting streak record to this day. He drew great praise from those superstars. Ted called him the best lead off man in the American League. Joe called him the best defensive centerfielder he’d ever seen.
After baseball Joe was a successful businessman. He was one of the original owners of the Patriots, and tried to buy his beloved Red Sox. He was able to excel at the very thing his superstar friend and brother struggled the most- family. He was not merely admired for his athletic skill, but for his character and intelligence. All true Red Sox fans have a special place in their hearts for Dom. I am so glad the Red Sox are wasting no time in honoring him.
HT: Boston.com
Cavman Considers 
Leave a Reply