Joe DiMaggio
Bronze Sculpture of Joe DiMaggio and Young Boy by Zenos Frudakis
Joe DiMaggio (November 25, 1914 – March 8, 1999), nicknamed “Joltin’ Joe,” “The Yankee Clipper,” and “Joe D.,” was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career with the New York Yankees. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, he holds the Major League Baseball record for the longest hitting streak—56 consecutive games, set from May 15 to July 16, 1941.
DiMaggio was a three-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) and an All-Star in each of his 13 seasons. During his time with the Yankees, the team won 10 American League pennants and nine World Series championships. His nine World Series rings rank second only to teammate Yogi Berra’s 10.
At the time of his retirement following the 1951 season, DiMaggio ranked fifth in career home runs (361) and sixth in career slugging percentage (.579). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 and was named the sport’s "Greatest Living Player" in a 1969 poll conducted during Major League Baseball’s centennial celebration. He remains best known for his legendary hitting streak.
Although DiMaggio was a very private person, his love for children led him to support a children’s hospital by lending his name to Memorial Healthcare System's pediatric facility in Hollywood, Florida. Aware of the power of his name and influence, DiMaggio recognized that he could help boost fundraising efforts to support the hospital. He made one condition clear for his involvement: No child would ever be turned away due to an inability to pay. With that assurance from then-President and CEO of Memorial Healthcare Frank V. Sacco, the facility was renamed Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in 1992.
To further support its mission, the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation was established in 1994 to secure philanthropic funding. In 2002, a bronze sculpture of Joe DiMaggio with a young boy—created by artist Zenos Frudakis—was installed at the hospital’s entrance. It serves as a lasting tribute and a symbol of the hospital's commitment to compassionate, accessible care.
Center Fielder
Elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955
Size: Over-life size
Media: Bronze
Unveiled: October 10 , 2002
Location: DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida
Inscription on Plaque: We never stand so tall as when we stoop to help a child. Dedicated by Pediatric Associates. In loving memory of Dr. Scott Bruno*. October 10, 2002.
*– Dr. Bruno was a Florida pediatric resident who died in a 2002 car accident at age 30.