U.S. #4697
2012 45¢ Joe DiMaggio
MLB All-Stars
Issue Date: July 20, 2012
City: Cooperstown, NY
Quantity: 20,000,000
Printed By: Avery Dennison
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: Die Cut 11
Color: multicolored
Joe DiMaggio (1914-1999), centerfielder for the New York Yankees, was known for his grace on and off the baseball field. In the outfield, he chased down long fly balls with an effortless stride that earned him the nickname, “The Yankee Clipper.” But that grace was matched with strength – his other nickname was “Joltin’ Joe.” In just 13 seasons (he lost three to war-time service), he hit 361 home runs.
DiMaggio became a cultural symbol. As America struggled with its identity during the 1960s, one popular song lamented, “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? The nation turns its lonely eyes to you.” Glamour accompanied legend, as he twice married a Hollywood actress: first Dorothy Arnold, and later Marilyn Monroe. For 20 years after Monroe’s death, DiMaggio sent roses to Monroe’s grave up to three times a week.
As a player, DiMaggio was perhaps best known for hitting in 56 straight games in 1941, a feat no one has come close to matching. In game 57 he was twice robbed of hits by outstanding plays by Cleveland third-baseman Ken Keltner. In the dugout after the game, DiMaggio reacted in his typical calm manner. “Well, that’s over,” was all he said. The next day he started a new 17-game streak.