Last Updated: February 8th, 2024 by Jake Cain
The names in baseball lore don’t get more iconic than Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio.
Let’s break down their careers and statistics:
| Statistic | Joe DiMaggio | Ted Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21-36 | 20-41 |
| Year Started | 1936 | 1939 |
| Final Year | 1951 | 1960 |
| Games (G) | 1736 | 2292 |
| Plate Appearances (PA) | 7672 | 9792 |
| At Bats (AB) | 6821 | 7706 |
| Runs (R) | 1390 | 1798 |
| Hits (H) | 2214 | 2654 |
| Doubles (2B) | 389 | 525 |
| Triples (3B) | 131 | 71 |
| Home Runs (HR) | 361 | 521 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 1537 | 1839 |
| Stolen Bases (SB) | 30 | 24 |
| Caught Stealing (CS) | 9 | 17 |
| Walks (BB) | 790 | 2021 |
| Strikeouts (SO) | 369 | 709 |
| Batting Average (BA) | .325 | .344 |
| On-base Percentage (OBP) | .398 | .482 |
| Slugging Percentage (SLG) | .579 | .634 |
| On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .977 | 1.116 |
| Adjusted OPS+ (OPS+) | 155 | 191 |
| Total Bases (TB) | 3948 | 4884 |
| Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) | 130 | 197 |
| Hit By Pitch (HBP) | 46 | 39 |
| Intentional Walks (IBB) | 111 | 258 |
Early Life and Career
Joe DiMaggio was born on November 25, 1914, in Martinez, California. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for baseball, which led him to drop out of high school to pursue the sport professionally. By 1936, his prowess secured him a spot on the New York Yankees, initiating a storied career marked by a record-breaking 56-game hitting streak.
Ted Williams, born on August 30, 1918, in San Diego, California, also excelled at baseball early in life. Williams honed his skills in the minor leagues before joining the Boston Red Sox in 1939. His exceptional hitting talent shined in 1941 when he managed the incredible feat of a .406 batting average, securing his status as a baseball legend.
Major League Achievements
Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio were two of Major League Baseball’s most iconic figures, each boasting remarkable accomplishments in their storied careers.
Ted Williams is renowned for his hitting prowess, highlighted by a .344 career batting average and being the last player to hit over .400 in a season, achieving a .406 average in 1941. His career on-base percentage (OBP) stands at an unmatched .482, and he received two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards over a 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox, which was interrupted by military service.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1941 | Last MLB player to hit over .400 |
| 1946 | AL MVP Award |
| 1949 | AL MVP Award |
Joe DiMaggio’s career was characterized by his consistency and all-around ability, capturing the hearts of New York Yankees fans. He was a three-time MVP winner and is perhaps best known for his MLB record 56-game hitting streak in 1941. His career batting average was .325, and he contributed to nine World Series championships for the Yankees.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1941 | 56-game hitting streak |
| 1939, 1941, 1947 | AL MVP Award |
| 1936-1939 | Four consecutive World Series titles (part of nine total) |
Off-Field Endeavors
Beyond the baseball diamond, both Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio pursued various activities that extended their fame and influence. Williams, during and after his playing career, was passionate about fishing, becoming an expert and respected sports fisherman, authoring articles, and often being featured in fishing magazines. His dedication to the sport led to his induction into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.
DiMaggio was known for his grace off the field as well, which included a high-profile marriage to Marilyn Monroe. His elegance and fame translated into various endorsement deals, notably with Mr. Coffee, and he remained a revered public figure long after his baseball tenure concluded. Both Williams and DiMaggio served in the military; Williams was a naval aviator in World War II and the Korean War, while DiMaggio served in the Army Air Forces.
Their military service, coupled with their sports and personal lives, contributed significantly to their legacies as American icons.
Legacy and Impact
Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, luminaries of baseball, left indelible marks on the sport during their storied careers with the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, respectively. Williams, known as “The Splendid Splinter,” boasted an unmatched eye at the plate, culminating in a career batting average of .344, with an impressive six batting titles. His legacy includes his last season in 1960 when he famously hit a home run in his final career at-bat, embodying the pinnacle of a hitter’s prowess.
DiMaggio, “The Yankee Clipper,” set an extraordinary record with a 56-game hitting streak in 1941, a feat that remains unbroken and speaks to his consistent high-level performance. Beyond his three MVP awards and nine World Series titles, his impact on the game was highlighted by Joe McCarthy, who regarded him as the finest base-runner he ever saw. DiMaggio’s grace on the field and his well-rounded abilities defined the Yankees’ dominance during the 1930s and 1940s.
Their influences transcend statistics; they shaped the culture and history of baseball. Williams contributed significantly to the science of hitting and served as a fishing and marine conservation advocate, while DiMaggio’s persona captivated a nation, becoming an American icon beyond the ballpark. Both players exemplify baseball’s Golden Age, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire players and fans alike