Joseph P. DiMaggio

1997 Concordia Award Honoree

The Yankee Clipper JoeDiMaggio with Xaverian Clippers Baseball Team.

The Joe DiMaggio Award was established in 1999 in memory of baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio. Mr. DiMaggio was a friend and generous supporter of Xaverian High School and was the first individual to receive Xaverian's highest honor, the Concordia Award, in 1997.

Upon his death in 1999, Xaverian's Concordia Award was renamed the Joe DiMaggio Award to memorialize Mr. DiMaggio's life-long commitment to the health, education, and well being of America's youth.

He was a modern day icon. An athlete with grace both on and off the field. He was one of the most popular men to ever play America's favorite pastime - baseball.

Joseph Paul DiMaggio was born in Martine, California on November 25, 1914. His two brothers Dominic and Vincent, also played major league baseball.

The Yankee Clipper's baseball career began in 1932 with the Pacific Coast League. He played in San Francisco until 1936, when he was signed by the New York Yankees. He remained there until he retired in 1951.

Mr. DiMaggio served the Yankees as one of the best outfielders ever to play the game. Nicknamed the "Yankee Clipper" for his superb fielding ability, DiMaggio also was a great offensive player as well. He set a major league record by establishing a 56-game hitting streak in 1941, which helped earn him the nickname "Joltin Joe."

Joe played in 10 World Series, and was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1939, 1941 and 1947. In 1948, he led the league with 39 home runs and 155 runs batted in.

Joe DiMaggio ended his phenomenal baseball career with 361 home runs in 1,736 games. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. In 1986, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his achievements on the baseball field, as well as for being a worthy role model for past, present and future youth of America.

Joe has also received an Honorary Degree from Columbia University.

In January 1977, Joe DiMaggio received the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award

	Joe DiMaggio being presented with the Xaverian Concordia Award by Joe DiMartino '65 and Xaverian's President, Dr. Salvatore Ferrera