The Importance of Joe DiMaggio By Charles Carluccio, M.D.
In addition to his athletic feats which are well known Joe DiMaggio did something that no one else did. He presented an Italian-American as a private, reserved, well groomed, well-spoken, dignified American citizen.
The aura of Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Marconi seemed to have vaporized in the era of immigration to the United States. In its place was the stereotypical organ grinder and his monkey who characterized the Italian immigrant.
A Congressional commendation would be a wonderful way for America to say "Thank you, Joe."
Joe DiMaggio was considered by most to be the greatest baseball player of his era, but more than that he was a consummate gentleman. He was never seen disheveled or tie-less, was meticulous in his manner and he epitomized elegance among athletes. He was often described as a Sicilian-American Prince.
Joe was quietly, privately philanthropic, especially proud of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Florida, from which of "no child who cannot pay will be turned away."
There are two pictures of Joe DiMaggio etched in my mind. One is his classic wide-spread stance at the plate; the second is his soft smile while holding a child in his arms at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. In this day when we seem to be deprived of role models, much less heroes; when we seem to have a plethora of the opposite in the highest places, isn't it appropriate to recognize and celebrate a true hero and role model such as Joe DiMaggio, who personified excellence, dignity and grace?
A Congressional commendation would be a wonderful way for America to say "Thank you, Joe".
