Joe DiMaggio is a class act. Apart from being one of the most vaunted names in baseball lore, the former New York Yankees center-fielder was a big part of the team’s 9 world series win and their dominant run in the 1950s. But apart from being a presence on the diamond, he was also known as a very private individual.

Despite being averse to media attention, DiMaggio caught the eye of Marilyn Monroe early in the 50s. The two had a whirlwind romance that resulted in a year-long, but ultimately unsuccessful, marriage. However, those close to DiMaggio mention that their love was true and went far past their wedding vows.

Who was Joe DiMaggio?

Joe DiMaggio was undoubtedly a baseball great. He won the MVP award 3 times and was part of the World Series-winning roster 9 times. Not to forget, he also served his country in World War II for 3 years in between.

On the pitch, he struck at a career-high of 0.325, a record that looms large over MLB. Notably, the former center baseman is still the league record holder for the most consecutive hits in MLB, with a streak of 56 consecutive matches.

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A testament to their romance

Joe DiMaggio was always first to her side in times of distress for Marilyn Monroe. It has been stated that Monroe even called him “my hero” after she was released into his care in 1961.

Notably, her untimely passing left Joe DiMaggio almost inconsolable. Later, he organized a private funeral service for her. Once there, he kept muttering under his breath, ‘I love you, I love you,’ still processing her loss.

The two intended to get married again before she passed away in 1962. He was also instrumental in designing the gravestone of Marilyn Monroe and went as far as to tell people that he even held himself responsible for her passing and for ‘what happened to her.’

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While married, Monroe had apparently made DiMaggio promise to give her roses as often as he could. Keeping his promise alive despite what fate brought him, he used to send roses to Monroe’s grave every week until his passing in 1999. For almost 37 years, DiMaggio kept the love alive with every rose he sent to Monroe’s grave.

Rumor has it that his last words to his lawyer before his passing were, ‘I’ll finally get to see Marilyn again.’