DiMaggio is one of the perfect examples of a myth overshadowing a legend. Everyone has heard about what a gentleman DiMaggio was, that is never disputed. His fame increased when he married legendary actress Marilyn Monroe. We hardly ever hear about the history of their divorce, but we do hear about flowers being delivered to her grave daily.Do you remember Mr. Coffee?

The Yankee Clipper was known for saying, and doing the right thing. He was also a master on the baseball field. DiMaggio could do everything a baseball player could be asked to do. He could hit for average, hit for power (even as a right-handed hitter in Yankee Stadium, 475 feet with a high fence), run the bases and man could he field. Not only field, but he had an excellent throwing arm. He stood far above the others that played his position in his era. Why then would I say the myth overshadow es the legend?

It was the way DiMaggio treated a rookie ballplayer that was on the team, and expected to replace him, upon his retirement. DiMaggio treated this rookie very poorly knowing his career was on the down side, and this kids career was soon to explode. Many players in DiMaggio's situation tutor the prodigy, DiMaggio did the opposite. Instead of helping him learn how to do things better, he chose not to speak to the rookie.

In the end DiMaggio was moved to right field, so the youngster could cover more territory. This included part of DiMaggio's right field. The older former great was slowing down. The fast youngster helped him out by running down balls DiMaggio was supposed to get to. Even though the kid helped him out many times DiMaggio chose to give him the cold shoulder.

DiMaggio retired as one of the all time great Yankee players, but most people don't know the whole story. What became of the young ballplayer you ask? He is in the baseball Hall of Fame! I'm sure you recognize the name Mickey Mantle,one of the greatest baseball players ever!

Learn more about this author, Harvey Stelman.
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