Joe DiMaggio was Great, But...
Did He Really Face the Best Players of His Era?
In 1884, the first African-American baseball teams were formed as a result of increased pressure from segregated teams. While a handful of black players found an opportunity to play on white professional teams until 1900, the trend was to keep baseball teams exclusively white. In 1887, the first baseball franchise for African-Americans was formed. They were called the Union Giants, and these players were blessed with exceptional baseball talent because they had been playing the game since they were old enough to understand the basics. Many of them lived and breathed the sport, but they were denied any chance to showcase their remarkable skills because of the horror that was racism.
As far as I'm concerned, and some of you may agree, in order to be considered the best you would have to face someone of equal or far greater status in any given sport. DiMaggio had indeed faced some of the greatest of his time, but they were predominately white! Imagine what the outcome would've been had DiMaggio faced some of the greatest shunned Black talent of that era. Would his career numbers have been as stellar? It depends who you ask. I've read stories about the Negro League players, and a number of them boldly proclaimed there were hurlers that could strike DiMaggio out in three pitches! The Italian community, along with a majority of white America, will tell you that "Joltin' Joe" was simply the best. The bottom line is we will never know because, as usual, that which divides us keeps us from experiencing some of life greatest moments. Racism is a bitch!
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Joe DiMaggio deserves his place in baseball history as much as Pete Rose or Hank Aaron. There is no arguing the stats. Still, there were so many that never got the opportunity to compete in an integrated environment, and their greatness and remarkable ability will never be known. We often honor and reflect on the lives of great players like Ruth, Cobb and DiMaggio, but I feel it is equally important to pay tribute to the players of the Negro League. As proud Americans, I'm sure they cheered for DiMaggio. They probably respected and admired him a great deal, and they were probably just as good, if not better.
Published by Gary 'The G-Man' Toms
In 2009, launched "From The G-Man": an independent news/information blog - In 2010, launched an online news/talk show based on the blog - Has received a total of 10 federal, state and local awards for journa... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentIt's a shame that baseball deprived itself of many stars. However, many of the great black players have been position players, so I don't know how much DiMaggio's stats would have suffered.
HOF Pitchers since Integration:
Latin: Juan Marichal
Black: Bob Gibson and Ferguson Jenkins.
White: Bob Feller, Hal Newhouser, Warren Spahn, Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, Robin Roberts, Whitey Ford, Hoyt Wilhelm, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Jim Bunning, Gaylord Perry, Phil Niekro, Jim Hunter, Steve Carlton, Jim Palmer, Don Sutton, Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Rollie Fingers, Rich Gossage, and Bruce Sutter.
This is true of just about anything. Can anyone ever be "the world's greatest", the best President, humanitarin, warrior. musical artist, or AC writer to name a few. Stats and records are interesting, but how can one compare a race car driver of the 1950's with one driving today's cars? This has the makings of a great "Field of Dreams" type movie.
It is too bad that all the true greats never competed head to head, and it is too bad now that many of the present greats have used steroids to help them get there...I'm a purist, and would love for baseball to be player vs. player...right down the line..
Dear Paul,
Thanks, once again, for your comments and support. I am in COMPLETE agreement with you about placing an asterick next to ALL records prior to Jackie Robinson slipping on a Dodgers jersey. As a result of the spectre of racism ALONE, every record set by white players should be called into question. When people are denied an opportunity to play on a "level" field because of discrimination, the entire system becomes suspect, as well as the players who are touted as "the best". The players become part of the problem too. Thanks again dude! "The G-man"
Interesting perspective--I've never really approached baseball segregation from this angle--in terms of whether or not "the greats" before integration would have thrived as much if black people were allowed to play, etc. Maybe there should be an enormous asterick blotted next to all records prior to Jackie Robinson slipping on a Dodgers jersey. Good work!!
Dear Mrs. Stewart,
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to post your comments. I've noticed that you posted a few, and your support of my work is appreciated. Even if you don't agree with me on certain topics I write about, "The G-man" welcomes your comments. Again, I thank you. Be well.
My sentiments exactly!!!!