On May 3, 1936, Joe DiMaggio made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees. The game took place at Yankee Stadium against the St. Louis Browns. DiMaggio, playing center field and wearing the now-iconic number 5, went 3-for-6 at the plate with a triple, an RBI, and three runs scored in the Yankees' 14-5 victory.
This marked the beginning of a legendary career for the "Yankee Clipper." DiMaggio played his entire 13-year career with the Yankees, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in baseball history. He was named an All-Star in each of his 13 seasons and won nine World Series championships with the team.
DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941 remains one of the most remarkable and enduring records in sports history. During this streak, which lasted from May 15 to July 16, he had a .408 batting average, 15 home runs, and 55 RBIs. The record has stood for over 80 years, with the closest challenge coming from Pete Rose, who had a 44-game hitting streak in 1978.
Throughout his career, DiMaggio showcased his exceptional hitting ability, defensive skills, and graceful style of play. He retired with a lifetime batting average of .325, 361 home runs, and 1,537 RBIs. DiMaggio was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955, and his number 5 was retired by the Yankees in 1952.
Joe DiMaggio's debut on May 3, 1936, marked the start of a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on baseball history and American sports culture.
