In a game against the Chicago White Sox on May 15, 1941, Joe DiMaggio went 1-for-4 against Eddie Smith. The Yankees lost that game by a score of 13-1, with the lone run knocked in by, you guessed it, Joe D. Although it seemed rather insignificant at the time, it was the birth of “The Streak.” From that day until July 16, “The Yankee Clipper” hit safely in 56 straight games, setting a record that still stands today.
During the streak, Joe D hit a robust .408 with a slugging pct. of .717. He faced four future hall-of-fame pitchers, and went 1-for-4 in the All-Star game with a run scored and an RBI. DiMaggio finished that 1941 season with a .357/.440/.643 slash line, with 30 homers and 125 RBIs en route to a World Series Championship. He only struck out 13 times in 622 plate appearances that year.
It is widely believed that this record will never be broken. It is one of the greatest accomplishments not only in baseball, but all of sports – and it all began 72 years ago today.
*Stats courtesy of the Baseball Almanac.
