Has anyone read the book about Dimmagio?

[YearToBeHere]

A Hero's Life?

I'm just wondering what people thought of it, I haven't read it yet.

[joltingjoe]

I read it and it wasn't very flattering to Joe. Of course, he can't defend himself now but, from what I know, a lot of it seemed to be true. He was a very bitter guy as he grew older, always thinking that someone was trying to screw him by taking advantage of his name. He was a jealous man, a control freak and quite a lonely man despite his fame. But boy was he a ballplayer!! The lawyer he trusted so much at the end is the one who got rich off him. For me, the book was sad because Joe was so loved and the woman he loved so much (marilyn monroe) was the victim, in Joe's opinion, of the crazy world of Hollywood.

[Sandman]

I read the book about a year ago. I can't verify anything in it, but it is a fascinating read.

I admit to crying while reading about the tragic death of Norma Jean Baker a/k/a Marilyn Monroe. It was among the saddest material I've read and/or seen in a long time.:(

[Michaels07]

He was my Hero growing up, still is the best ballplayer i ever had the privilege to watch, and Bottom Line a Great Yankee.I just bought the book at Barnes & Noble on sale for $5.98. I am now on page 67. It`s a fast read. This guy Cramer is a words smith, It`s a good read.I wonder how you can separate fact from fiction.. I also have the two volume DiMaggio Encylopedia and the 1975 " Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio" by Maury Allen

[joltingjoe]

He was my hero too. I just wish the younger guys on this forum had the opportunity to watch him. He never had to dive after a ball, never lost his hat, always caught the routine stuff with two hands and had an uncanny instinct to be where the ball was going to be. His arm was strong and accurate and he never seemed to throw to the wrong base or miss the cutoff man. Offensively, he was a "quiet" hitter with a wide stance, much like Piazza. Mel Allen told me one time that Joe lost about 25 to 30 homers a year because of "death valley" in the old Yankee Stadium where it was 457 to the left center field wall. Yes, the same wall that the many plaques are hung. May he rest in peace.:NY:

[Sixty one]

I also read this book several months ago, and if half of what was said is true it presents a sad old man who just could not enjoy the fame that he was blessed with. I became a Yankee fan in 1947 because my father idolized him and thought he was the closest thing to perfection on the baseball field. I can't say that I saw him in his prime, but I can certainly believe what so many knowledgeable baseball said about him and that he was an incredible athlete who could have been a superstar in any era.Too bad he didn't truly enjoy why so many people thought the world of him. I say, may he rest in peace!:NY: :NY: :NY: :NY:

[Nome]

Becoming a Yankee fan in 46, I also saw Joe play and he was one of the greats. Frankly until the last 5 years or so ago, I was totally unaware of Joes personality reputation. I had never before heard anything bad about him. Back then the reporters protected people (remember JFK's womanizing- it was worse than Clintons, yet got absolutely no publicity at the time).

I still find it hard to believe the current reports of Joe's dark side.

But one thing is clear. He was one hell of a talented ball player.

Andy