On May 15, 1941, Joe DiMaggio went 1 for 3 in a Yankees loss to the Chicago White Sox. That seemingly inconsequential game was actually the start of a streak that reamins unmatched to this day.
From that May day through the middle of July, Joltin' Joe had at least one hit in 56 consecutive games. That's 56 games, in a row, with at least one hit. Amazing. No one has even come close to matching that. Pete Rose got to 44 in 1978, but we don't think that counts as close.
Here's a shot of Joe after tying the previous record of 44 consecutive games, held by Willie Keeler.
Joe's stats during "The Streak" are impressive.
- .408 average
- 91 hits in 223 at bats
- 56 runs scored
- 16 doubles, 4 triples
- 15 HR's
- 21 Walks
- 5 strikeouts
With the entire country caught up in DiMaggio mania, this amazing run came to an end on the evening of July 16 in a game against Cleveland.
Will it ever be matched? We don't think so, but let us know what you think.
Joe shows his 0 for 3 stats after the game that ended the streak.