August 31, 2006—In the sixth game of the 1947 World Series, Joe DiMaggio blasted a 415-feet high, line drive toward the chain link fence in front of the leftfield bullpen. It looked like a sure homerun, his third of the Series in the Yankees vs. the Dodgers.
As DiMaggio rounded first he could see reserve outfielder, Al Gionfriddo, dancing. In front of the whole world and in what seemed like an act of God, Gionfriddo tripped under the ball, stuck his glove over the fence and stole DiMaggio’s home run.
Seventy thousand fans in the ballpark and three million more watching at home on TV saw DiMaggio do something he never did before.
He kicked the dirt.
DiMaggio’s very human response was so out of character for the baseball legend it made headlines in sports pages all over the country. Clueless in the outfield, Gionfriddo was basically out of position--a lucky break for a second string outfielder.
Despite the stolen home run, the season ended for the Yankees in a World Series championship against the Dodgers. The same year, DiMaggio captured MVP honors.
In all, DiMaggio captured three MVP titles. But, the 1947 plaque is the only plaque he got for the title. Prior to 1945, players received pocket watches.
DiMaggio’s MVP plaque is considered to be one of the most important pieces of memorabilia in sports collecting history. It’s more than just metal, wood and words for fans. It’s a symbol of excellence.
On May 19-20, The Joe DiMaggio collection went on the block at Hunt Auctions in Exton, Pa. The MVP plaque sold for $281,750.
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