Joe and Dorothy DiMaggio
The elegance and energy of New York was typified by the chic of nightclubs like the Copacabana, 21, the Stork Club and El Morocco.
Joe DiMaggio and many of the other Yankees were no strangers to these venues, and the club owners gave them all a king’s treatment once in their doors.
But DiMaggio was conflicted. While at times he wished he was invisible or “anybody but Joe DiMaggio,” the Yankee Clipper also was concerned “when I’m done playing, will anybody remember me?”
On the night of June 14, Joe and his three-months pregnant wife, Dorothy, would hit DiMaggio’s favorite hangout, Toots Shor’s in midtown Manhattan.
Proprietor Shor was a former bouncer and one of the few people who could give DiMaggio a ribbing without getting the evil eye. Shor loved DiMaggio and went out of his way to ensure that his buddy would be safe from the madding crowds when at his establishment.
Shor knew how to “handle” DiMaggio. Toots’ usual greeting to Joe was “How ya doin’, crumbbum?” From Toots—and Toots only—DiMaggio liked the informality. Some days he’d chat up Toots, inviting the gregarious big man to sit with him (Shor saved a table in the corner for “bella figura”, as the Italians called DiMaggio). Joe was good for business.
When Joe and the Yankees were doing well, DiMaggio was open—almost friendly with those around him.
But when DiMaggio slumped or the Pinstripes were struggling, and Joe went to Toots’ place at all, it was to have some time alone, to unwind. Shor read DiMaggio well and in times like those, he kept people away from the sullen slugger.
Joe and Dorothy greeted autograph seekers, acquaintances and celebrities, with Shor standing guard. DiMaggio was accommodating but on this Saturday it would be early to bed. Game 2 against Cleveland was scheduled for 3 p.m.
On June 15, Red Ruffing and the DiMaggio made short work of the Indians. Ruffing’s six-hitter took only 1:45 to spin. DiMaggio’s towering home run was the difference in a 3-2 Yankee victory.
Walter Winchell’s Daily News column told readers that the all-time Yankee hitting streak could be tied—and went on to mention the people who stopped by Joe and Dorothy’s table to pay homage the night before. Wherever one turned in New York, the subject matter was DiMaggio.
And that spotlight, already white-hot, would intensify.
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