Births on February 12

Dom DiMaggio, American baseball player (d. 2009)

Dominic DiMaggio: The "Little Professor" and a Boston Sports Legend

Dominic Paul DiMaggio (February 12, 1917 – May 8, 2009), affectionately known as "The Little Professor," was a prominent American Major League Baseball center fielder whose illustrious career spanned 11 seasons, all with the Boston Red Sox from 1940 to 1953. Born into a family that would etch its name into baseball history, Dominic was the youngest of three brothers, each of whom achieved the rare distinction of playing as a center fielder in the Major Leagues. His elder siblings were the legendary Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees and Vince DiMaggio, who played for several National League teams.

A Distinguished Career with the Boston Red Sox

Dominic DiMaggio earned his famous nickname, "The Little Professor," not just for his comparatively smaller stature to his brothers but primarily due to his eyeglasses and thoughtful, studious demeanor on the field. Despite being overshadowed at times by his superstar brother Joe, Dominic carved out an impressive career marked by consistent performance and exceptional defensive play. He was a seven-time American League All-Star, earning selections in 1941, 1942, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1951.

• Batting Prowess: DiMaggio consistently posted strong offensive numbers, finishing his career with a .298 batting average, 1,680 hits, 87 home runs, and 753 RBIs. He led the American League in triples twice (1947 and 1950) and in runs scored once (1950).
• Record-Setting Streak: In 1949, he achieved a remarkable 34-game hitting streak, a Boston Red Sox franchise record that stood for 57 years until surpassed in 2006 by Kevin Millar. This streak showcased his clutch hitting ability and sustained offensive contribution.
• Defensive Excellence: Renowned for his outstanding play in center field, DiMaggio possessed exceptional range and a strong, accurate arm. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in putouts and assists for outfielders, making him a cornerstone of the Red Sox defense during his era.
• Service to the Nation: His professional baseball career was notably interrupted for three seasons (1943-1945) when he bravely served in the United States Navy during World War II, a common sacrifice made by many professional athletes of his generation. Upon his return, he seamlessly resumed his high level of play.

The Legendary DiMaggio Brothers: A Unique Baseball Dynasty

The DiMaggio family holds a unique place in baseball lore, being the only trio of brothers to all play as Major League Baseball center fielders. This remarkable familial achievement underscores an unparalleled athletic lineage:

• Joe DiMaggio: The most famous of the three, "Joltin' Joe" was an iconic figure for the New York Yankees, a nine-time World Series champion, and an American League MVP. He is perhaps best known for his record-setting 56-game hitting streak in 1941.
• Vince DiMaggio: The elder brother, Vince, was a powerful hitter and an excellent defensive outfielder who played for several National League teams, including the Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Giants. He was a two-time All-Star (1943, 1944).
• Dominic DiMaggio: As the youngest, Dominic distinguished himself with the Red Sox, earning his own set of achievements and respect, contributing significantly to a team that often challenged the Yankees for American League supremacy.

Pioneering Beyond Baseball: Founding the Boston Patriots

Dominic DiMaggio's influence extended far beyond the baseball diamond. In 1959, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and vision, he joined forces with nine other influential New Englanders. This group, spearheaded by sports executive Billy Sullivan, undertook the ambitious project of founding and financially backing a professional American football team in Boston. This venture materialized in 1960 with the debut of the American Football League’s (AFL) Boston Patriots.

The establishment of the Boston Patriots was a pivotal moment in American sports history, marking the inception of what would eventually become the New England Patriots, one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. The AFL itself was a groundbreaking league that challenged the established National Football League (NFL) and ultimately led to the Super Bowl and the eventual merger of the two leagues. DiMaggio's role as a founding investor helped lay the groundwork for a team that has since captured multiple Super Bowl championships and become a global sports brand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dominic DiMaggio

When was Dominic DiMaggio born and when did he pass away?

Dominic DiMaggio was born on February 12, 1917, and passed away on May 8, 2009, at the age of 92.

Why was Dominic DiMaggio nicknamed "The Little Professor"?

He earned the nickname "The Little Professor" due to his relatively smaller stature compared to his famous brothers, his scholarly appearance (he wore glasses), and his thoughtful, analytical approach to the game.

How many seasons did Dominic DiMaggio play in Major League Baseball, and for which team?

Dominic DiMaggio played his entire 11-year Major League Baseball career for the Boston Red Sox, from 1940 to 1953.

Did Dominic DiMaggio serve in the military?

Yes, Dominic DiMaggio's career was interrupted by military service during World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945.

What was Dominic DiMaggio's connection to the Boston Patriots?

In 1959, Dominic DiMaggio was one of the ten original New England investors, led by Billy Sullivan, who founded and provided the initial capital for the Boston American football team that debuted in the AFL in 1960 as the Boston Patriots (now the New England Patriots).

Were all three DiMaggio brothers Major League Baseball players?

Yes, Dominic, Joe, and Vince DiMaggio all achieved the unique distinction of playing as center fielders in Major League Baseball, making them the only trio of brothers to do so.