MY GRANDFATHER: MLB PITCHER & JOE DIMAGGIO FRIEND

My grandfather came from Lucca in Tuscany, Italy and grew up in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco.  They were boyhood friends who grew up to play against each other in the major leagues.  You’ll see the letter here where Joe talks about my grandfather pitching Joe his 2,000^th hit in 1950.  

But there’s more to the story than meets the eye!  I’ll come back and fill in more details later about my grandfather and about Joe.

JOE DIMAGGIO AUTOGRAPHS

I must have written to Joe twice; I’ll have to check my log.  He had a house in San Francisco at 2150 Beach Street and I used that address to write to him both times.  

The first time, I got the B&W picture and an index card; both signed by his SISTER, who lived at the house.  You can tell by the more feminine writing of his name and the difference and the lack of connection of Best Wishes.

The second time, I got the color photo and the handwritten letter, both truly signed by Joe.  

Great footage during “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” hit song which reached #3 by Les Brown in 1941!

WILLIE MAYS AUTOGRAPH

My grandfather was also buddies with Willie Mays and would pitch for Giant’s batting practice at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park.

I didn’t get Willie’s autograph by using my grandfather’s name.  I found his signed book at Goodwill for $2.99!

Willie Mays also had a tribute song.  It didn’t chart, but Quincy Jones was the musical director.

“Say Hey” Willie Mays song: