[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 16, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1285-H1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING JOE DiMAGGIO
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 105) recognizing and honoring Joe DiMaggio.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 105
Whereas Joseph Paul (``Joe'') DiMaggio was born in
Martinez, California, on November 25, 1914;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio was the son of Sicilian immigrants,
Joseph Paul and Rosalia DiMaggio, and was the 2nd of 3
brothers to play Major League Baseball;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio played 13 seasons in the major
leagues, all for the New York Yankees;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio, who wore Number 5 in Yankee
pinstripes, became a baseball icon in the 1941 season by
hitting safely in 56 consecutive games, a major league record
that has stood for more than 5 decades and has never been
seriously challenged;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio compiled a .325 batting average during
his storied career and played on 9 World Series championship
teams;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio was selected to the Baseball Hall of
Fame in 1955, 4 years after his retirement, in his 1st year
of eligibility;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio in 1969 was voted Major League
Baseball's greatest living player;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio served the Nation in World War II as a
member of the Army Air Corps;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio was tireless in helping others and was
devoted to the ``Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital'' in
Hollywood, Florida;
Whereas Joe DiMaggio will be remembered as a role model for
generations of young people; and
Whereas Joe DiMaggio transcended baseball and will remain a
symbol for the ages of talent, commitment, and achievement:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and
honors Joe DiMaggio--
(1) for his storied baseball career;
(2) for his many contributions to the Nation throughout his
lifetime; and
(3) for transcending baseball and becoming a symbol for the
ages of talent, commitment, and achievement.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Cummings) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
General Leave
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on House Resolution 105, recognizing and honoring Joe DiMaggio.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, Joseph Paul DiMaggio was a man of grace,
class and of dignity. He was a modern day American icon, hero and a
gentleman.
Joe DiMaggio was born in Martinez, California, on November 25, 1914,
the son of Sicilian immigrants and one of nine children. At the age of
18 he joined the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League and
began his career in baseball that would make him one of the most
popular men to ever play at America's favorite pastime.
In 1936, Joe DiMaggio became a ``Yankee'' and remained so for the
rest of his life. During his 13 seasons he played in 10 world series
and 11 All-Star games. He was the American League's most valuable
player for three seasons. In 1941 he set the untouchable record for the
longest hitting streak with 56 consecutive games, and in 1955 major
league baseball set Joe DiMaggio's name in stone by inducting him into
baseball's Hall of Fame. To some he was ``Joltin' Joe'', to others he
was the ``Yankee Clipper'', but to baseball he remained a legend.
Moreover, Joe DiMaggio's life goes far beyond his on-field extensive
achievements. He was a patriot and an ambassador of humanity. In 1943,
he volunteered to serve his Nation in World War II. In 1986, he was
awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He founded the Joe DiMaggio's
Children Hospital Foundation to provide the highest quality health care
for our Nation's most precious possessions. Joe DiMaggio's dedication
is an example of class and dignity to every American.
In conclusion, I am proud to take this time on the floor today to
remember Joe DiMaggio. The image of number 5, running gracefully
through centerfield in Yankee Stadium making another deceptively easy
catch, is a symbol to America, one that we will never forget. We thank
``Gentleman Joe'' for being an inspiration to our Nation.
Accordingly, I urge all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my thanks and the appreciation of the Congress
to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) and the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman), both of whom hail from the other city with a great
baseball team, for introducing H. Res. 105 honoring Joe DiMaggio.
Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, in commenting on the death of Joe
DiMaggio, stated, and I quote: ``For several generations of baseball
fans, Joe was the personification of grace, class and dignity on the
baseball diamond. His persona extended beyond the playing field and
touched all of our hearts. In many respects, as an immigrant's son, he
represented the hopes and ideals of our great country.''
This high praise for a man born in a small fishing village 25 miles
from northeast of San Francisco is indeed a wonderful tribute. But it
was Emerson who said it best when he said, ``It is better to judge a
man not by his station in life but what he has done to get there.'' And
so the story of Joe DiMaggio is one that, by anybody's measuring stick,
would have to be termed a great life.
Joe DiMaggio's father expected him to become a fisherman, like his
brothers, but Joe had different dreams. He dreamt of fields and
diamonds. He dreamt of playing the game of baseball.
In 1932, at the age of 17, he began his professional baseball career,
playing in three games for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific
coast. He played his first major league game on May 3 of 1936 at Yankee
Stadium against the St. Louis Browns.
Joe DiMaggio served the Yankees as one of the best outfielders to
play the game. Nicknamed the ``Yankee Clipper'', for his superb
fielding ability, DiMaggio was a great offensive player as well. He set
a major league record by establishing a 56 game hitting streak in 1941.
And as one who loves the game of baseball, I can tell my colleagues
that is a great, great feat.
DiMaggio played in 10 World Series, and was the American League's
most valuable player in 1939, 1941 and 1947. In
[[Page H1286]]
1948, he led the league with 39 home runs and 155 runs batted in. He
ended his phenomenal baseball career with 361 runs in 1,736 games. He
was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
In 1986, DiMaggio received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for both
his achievements on the baseball field as well as for being a worthy
role model for past, present and future youth of America. In a recent
interview on ``60 Minutes'', DiMaggio talked about his role as a role
model, and he said that he felt blessed that so many people looked up
to him and looked to him for strength and for a person who they could
follow behind.
For all his glory, Joe DiMaggio was a quiet man, who took pride in
who he was and what he did. He had a basic set of values that went
untainted by his celebrity status.
DiMaggio's field of dreams took him from a fishing town in San
Francisco to the bright lights of New York City and made him, indeed, a
baseball great. He gave baseball fans around the world something to
cheer about, but more importantly, he gave us all something to believe
in, and it is simply called the American Dream.
Joe DiMaggio was a true hero and a gentleman, and I am pleased to
support this resolution in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I commend the distinguished cochairman of
our New York delegation, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), for
having brought this matter to the floor at this time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Knollenberg).
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
expressing my strong support for this resolution honoring the
accomplishments of the great Joe DiMaggio.
Like millions of other young boys of the era, Joe DiMaggio was my
hero. I never met him, I never saw him play, and only on occasion did I
hear him on the radio. The Yankees won so many world championships that
was always possible, it seemed, in the fall of the year.
The Yankee Clipper's grace and skill on the field were inspirational,
and they fostered a deeper understanding and love of the game of
baseball in everyone, and particularly to those who did get a chance to
see him in action.
During his storied career, which was interrupted by his honorable
service to our country in World War II, Joe DiMaggio led the Yankees to
nine world championships and compiled a lifetime batting average of
.325.
These accomplishments aside, he will always be best remembered for
the 1941 season in which he established one of the sport's most
enduring records by hitting safely in 56 consecutive games. After that
record was broken, he immediately continued another streak of 16 games.
Mr. Speaker, Joe DiMaggio was an American icon. His stature, presence
and commitment to excellence transcended the baseball diamond and left
an indelible impact on the culture of our great Nation.
{time} 1215
His accomplishments, along with his style and grace, both on and off
the field will never be forgotten.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), one of my mentors and just one of
our greatest Congressmen and an admirer of Joe DiMaggio.
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, let me commend the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Cummings), the ranking member; the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Scarborough), the chairman; the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman);
and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) for moving so swiftly in
bringing this bipartisan measure to the floor. And as one who chairs
our great New York delegation, which is probably the most bipartisan
delegation we have in this House, let me thank my long and dear friend,
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for assisting in bringing our
members together to pay tribute to a hero that far too often we thought
just belonged to us.
Joe DiMaggio and the New York Yankees are like treasures that you
take for granted. And when word came of his ill health, there was no
member of the delegation or hardly anybody that was known from New York
that did not receive sympathy cards and get well cards as though we
just lived around the corner from Joe.
As many times as I have had the pleasure of going to Yankee Stadium
and hearing the roar of the crowd both for an active playing Joe
DiMaggio or for retired gentleman hero Joe DiMaggio, the class that he
brought not just to the Yankees, not just to New York, but to America
is something that we have to see and we have to feel.
I was so amazed and indeed surprised to hear from so many Italian
Americans to talk about what Joe meant to them. And it was so pleasant
to see that, with all of the discrimination and anti-Italian feelings
that we have had in this country in the years gone by, that Italian
Americans felt that Joe just shattered the image of the Mafia,
shattered the image of how Italians were portrayed in our motion
pictures and television. And I said, my God, don't you understand,
Frank Guarini, who is a former member of Congress and who heads up the
National Italian American Foundation, that you may think of Joe as just
being a famous and an outstanding Italian American but the people in
Harlem and in Bed-Stuy and in the South Bronx were all weeping when we
lost Joe DiMaggio.
Sure, he was a classic example of how anybody, no matter what their
background, could achieve the high levels of respect and admiration and
love. But he also was one that transcended being an Italian American or
Jewish American or black American because he played the game and
allowed everyone to believe that if they played it fairly and carried
themselves in a decent way that this country would respect them.
Let us, I say to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), say to
Joe that he fought for all of us, not Italian Americans. Let us say,
the best way to pay tribute to Joe is to try to live our lives the way
he lived his. Let us look at all Americans as though, no matter where
they came from, give them an opportunity to achieve and they, like our
great Joe DiMaggio, can excel.
I believe that one thing that stands out in the greatness of this man
is that he never took failure as being an option for him. He starred
and yet he acted as though he was just a bat boy when we were in his
presence. Few Americans, few people can carry the heavy toll of being
so well-known. He did it. He did it well. He sets an example for
America and indeed an example for this Congress.
Let me thank all of my colleagues that made it possible for us to
bring this to the floor. We brought it to the floor thinking we were
honoring a fellow New Yorker and New York Yankee. We know better. We
are honoring a great American and a great member of this great world
that we live in.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York, our
cochairman of our New York delegation, for again bringing this measure
to the floor and giving us the opportunity to recognize this hero of
American baseball, a hero of many other endeavors, Joe DiMaggio.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Shaw).
Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time.
I would like to associate my remarks with both of the gentlemen from
New York. Joe DiMaggio was a constituent of mine living in Hollywood,
Florida. And when the Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio died last week,
baseball fans of course lost a great hero. However, the children of
south Florida lost more than a hero. They lost an advocate.
While humbly turning away the attention of adults, Joe DiMaggio
always had time for children. During his years of retirement in south
Florida, the baseball great was particularly concerned with helping
alleviating the pain and loneliness of sick children. As a result of
his concern and compassion, the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital was
dedicated in Hollywood, Florida in 1992.
Although he ordinarily shied way from celebrity events and public
attention, Joe DiMaggio faithfully made exceptions for the children at
the hospital. Without fail, Joe DiMaggio lent his name and his efforts
to fund-raising events and publicity for the hospital, including the
annual celebrity baseball game fund-raiser. His aim was to improve the
quality and accessibility of
[[Page H1287]]
medical services for children of all economic classes. Because of this,
no child is turned away from the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital due
to lack of financial resources.
But the most special gift Joe DiMaggio gave to the Children's
Hospital was his personal time. Each month, without fanfare, Joe
DiMaggio would roam the halls of the ward which bears his name visiting
with sick children and their families, posing for pictures, telling
stories, signing autographs, and giving an encouraging word or just a
gentle smile. Knowing of his great regard for personal privacy, I see
that these acts were a great sacrifice for DiMaggio which he made for
the suffering kids.
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Joe DiMaggio for his contributions to
Broward and Dade Counties. Like the rest of the Nation, I am saddened
by the loss of this hero of children. While his Hall of Fame records
may be broken, Joe DiMaggio's healing touch in the halls of the Joe
DiMaggio Children's Hospital will live on forever.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
One author said, Mr. Speaker, that when people who are important to
us die, when people who have had an impact on our lives pass on, a
small part of us dies with him. And there is no question, as I listen
to my colleagues today and I listen to the sponsor of this resolution,
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) and the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman) and others, that I realize that we were blessed,
truly blessed, to have our lives eclipsed by Joe DiMaggio's and to be
touched by his life.
I can remember as a small boy hearing about DiMaggio and growing up
in a neighborhood where we did not play on grass but we played on
glass, as I often say, but the fact is, when we saw heroes and heard
about heroes like Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio and others, it made
us realize that we could accomplish things too. And as I listen to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), he is absolutely right, Joe
DiMaggio was not only a hero for New Yorkers but he was a hero for
youngsters in Baltimore and New Orleans and the West Coast, all over
our country, and not just this country, Mr. Speaker, but also the
world.
Paul Simon, in one of his songs ``Mrs. Robinson'' stated these words.
He said, ``Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely
eyes to you.'' Well, I think it can be safely said that Joe DiMaggio's
spirit, his humility, and his grace lives in all of us who have been
touched by his life.
One author said that when one goes through the difficult times of
life and they are unseen, unnoticed, unappreciated, and unapplauded, it
is those moments that bring about a certain obscurity but those who
work hard in obscurity that are best able to address the fame and the
glory of greatness.
And I think that, as we have listened and shared our thoughts here
today, it is clear that God created a wonderful, wonderful road for Joe
DiMaggio to walk but at the same time gave him the humility, the
strength, and the power to walk it.
And so, Mr. Speaker, I would just simply ask all of our colleagues to
support this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I am pleased that another one of my mentors, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Pelosi), who originally hailed from Baltimore but
decided to move to San Francisco, is here. And she, too, is a
tremendous baseball fan and an admirer of Joe DiMaggio.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Pelosi).
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for
yielding and for his kind comments.
Yes, I am from Baltimore. And it was in the 1940s I remember as a
little, little girl when Joe DiMaggio came to Baltimore in the 1940s to
have, I think it was, a heel operation at Johns Hopkins University. My
much older brother, Thomas D'Alesandro--just kidding--interviewed him
for the Loyola College newspaper at that time, the Greyhound, and that
was the thrill of all time for all of us. Because Joe DiMaggio was, of
course, the great star.
I was teasing our colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Rangel), about the fact that he beat San Franciscans to the punch, and
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), they beat us to the punch
with this resolution. Because while he was a Yankee, the Yankee
Clipper, and while he always thought of himself in those terms, he was
a San Franciscan and we claim him with great pride.
His experience was that of many Italian immigrant families. He was
raised partially in North Beach and then his family moved. He built a
home when he was making $100,000 a year for his parents in the Marina
district, which is a trip of not many blocks but a great distance for
many Italian Americans at the time, in fact, a trip that the Pelosi
family made from North Beach to the Marina as well.
So, as a San Franciscan, I rise to convey the sadness of my
constituents on the passing of Joe DiMaggio. We thought he would live
forever, certainly his fame, his celebrity and his great dignity will,
but also to express the pride of the Italian American community in his
success.
Many fans and sports writers consider Joe DiMaggio the best all-
around player of all time. But that is not the only reason why this son
of Italian immigrants who grew up in San Francisco's fishing community
could to this day force millions around the world to pause at the mere
mention of his name. Yes, it is the 56-game hitting streak and the
speed on the base paths and the quick dash to the center field that
made Joe DiMaggio a great American hero. It is also because, through
all of his success, through all of his acclamation and praise, Joe
DiMaggio was a modest man devoted to family, friends, and fans. He was
a hero we could look up to without reservation or hesitation.
Mr. Speaker, it might interest my colleagues to know that during the
earthquake of 1989, the Marina district, where Joe DiMaggio's home was,
was severely devastated by the earthquake. And as a congressional
office, of course we had to help or constituents. But the sight that
was so impressive to so many of us was Joe DiMaggio standing in line
like just any other person from the Marina to get assistance from FEMA,
not assistance but the direction where do we go from here on that. So
through it all, he was, as I say, a modest man. He died as he had
lived, quietly surrounded by friends and carrying the great dignity for
which he will always be remembered.
As a San Franciscan, as an Italian American, as an American, I thank
my colleagues for this resolution and remembering the Yankee Clipper,
San Franciscan, Joe DiMaggio.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Joe
DiMaggio, Baseball Hall of Famer and American icon, who passed away the
morning of March 8.
Joe DiMaggio was the personification of grace, class and dignity on
the baseball diamond. He was the centerpiece of baseball's most storied
franchise, leading the New York Yankees to nine World Series titles in
his 12 seasons. He was named to the all-star team every season he
played, won three American League most valuable player awards, was a
lifetime .325 hitter and his 56 game hitting streak in 1941 still
stands as one of the most impressive and untouchable records in all of
sports.
Mr. Speaker, Joe DiMaggio performed with an elegance and grace that
commanded the respect of both his fans and fellow players. His persona
on the field also made him one of the most recognizable and beloved
figures off it. Although his demeanor was reserved almost to the point
of being aloof, in his case lack of emotion could not be confused with
lack of intensity. Nobody played harder than Joltin' Joe, even if a
score was lopsided or a pennant already clinched. When asked why he
played with such fire, DiMaggio replied simply, ``Because there might
be someone out there who has never seen me play before.''
It was this tireless work ethic and professionalism that set Joseph
Paul DiMaggio apart from his peers. In modern day sports, too often
players are criticized for selfishness, lack of intensity or being
overly concerned with money. Mr. Speaker, none of these qualities were
ever attributed to the Yankee Clipper, a great ballplayer, a great man,
a great American. Thanks for the memories, Joe. You will be sorely
missed, in New York and beyond.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, according to biographer Richard Ben
Cramer, Joe DiMaggio was upset to be placed prematurely in past tense
by Paul Simon in his
[[Page H1288]]
song from ``The Graduate''. ``Joltin' Joe has left and gone away,''
sang Simon. ``What're they talking about?'' shot back the Yankee
Clipper, ``I haven't gone anywhere.''
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American hero. Joe
DiMaggio was the first of his kind, a sports legend of the stature only
20th Century America could nurture. He was also one of the last of his
breed, a celebrity of shy, quiet dignity.
The son of a fisherman and high school drop out, Joltin' Joe learned
the game that would make him famous hitting with a broken oar. He
played semipro ball beginning at the age of 18, but by the age of 21,
he had debuted with much panache in the majors. The New York Yankees
scored perhaps their best hit as a team when they recruited Joe
DiMaggio to play center field in 1936.
There was no one like him in the game. What other players had to work
at, DiMaggio did with an innate ability that often surprised even the
greats. In a professional career lasting only 13 seasons, he won three
MVPs, and led the Yankees to ten pennants and nine World Series
championships.
After his retirement in 1951, DiMaggio continued to make Americans'
lives a little sweeter. His devotion to children, possibly strengthened
by his estrangement from his own son, was evident in his commitment to
the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation and the Joe DiMaggio
Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. Through his service,
children and their families in South Florida could finally receive the
specialized medical services they require.
Joltin' Joe passed away on March 8, 1999, and Paul Simon's words
still ring true, ``A nation turns its lonely eyes to you,'' not because
we lack for great players in the many professional sports that pass our
time today, but because in this commercialized age, we lack for
heroes--the kind that legends are made of and the kind who, no matter
what, maintain their public dignity. Joe DiMaggio did it, and there
will never be another like him.
Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this Resolution
honoring Joe DiMaggio.
Joe DiMaggio was more than just a terrific ballplayer--he was special
to Americans across our country because of his professionalism, his
work ethic, and his remarkable grace.
We honor Joe DiMaggio for that, and we honor him as well for the
particular importance he had for millions of Italian-Americans. It's
easy to forget today how ingrained prejudices were sixty year ago. In
1939, Life magazine printed what it believed was a favorable profile of
Joe DiMaggio. In the article, however, it noted that ``Instead of olive
oil or smelly bear grease, DiMaggio keeps his hair slick with water. He
never reeks of garlic and prefers chicken chow mein to spaghetti.''
For a generation of Italian-Americans facing daily bigotry, Joe
DiMaggio was a hero whose quiet dignity and excellence shattered
stereotypes and eloquently rebutted ignorance.
Casey Stengel once modestly and astutely said that ``I know I'm a
better manager when Joe DiMaggio's in center field.'' Mr. Speaker, I
would only add to that that we have been a better country because Joe
DiMaggio was an American.
{time} 1230
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to unanimously support
the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 105.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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