(1914–99), U.S. baseball player. Known as The Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio was one of the greatest hitters and center fielders in major league baseball. Born Joseph Paul DiMaggio on Nov. 25, 1914, in Martinez, Calif., he played for the New York Yankees from 1936 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1951, helping them win nine World Series. He led the American League (AL) in batting in 1939 and 1940 and set a major-league record in 1941 by hitting safely in 56 consecutive games. He was chosen as AL most valuable player three times, in 1939, 1941, and 1947, and retired with 361 home runs and a lifetime batting average of .325. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.