Joe DiMaggio Quotes

The man, the myth, the legend. Joe DiMaggio is one of the most revered athletes in history. These quotes will inspire you to be your best.
Written by Mark Bailey
Last updated on

Joe DiMaggio was one of the most iconic players in Major League Baseball history. His dedication to the game, hard work and determination have inspired generations of athletes past, present and future. It is not surprising that so many famous quotes are attributed to Joe DiMaggio – his words on devotion, humility and commitment paint a vivid picture of what it takes to achieve greatness in any field.

In this post we cover some of his most famous and thought-provoking quotes about hard work, dedication and perseverance that will motivate anyone striving for success

Dedication and hard work

  • “A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.”
  • “A ball player has to be kept hungry to become a big leaguer. That’s why no boy from a rich family has ever made the big leagues.”
  • “If anyone wants to know why three kids in one family made it to the big leagues they just had to know how we helped each other and how much we practiced back then. We did it every minute we could.”
  • “I’m just a ballplayer with one ambition, and that is to give all I’ve got to help my ball club win. I’ve never played any other way.”

Joy and excitement of playing the game

  • “Now I’ve had everything except for the thrill of watching Babe Ruth play.”
  • “There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.”
  • “We need a hit, so here I go.”
  • “When baseball is no longer fun, it’s no longer a game.”
  • “You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”
  • “I think there are some players born to play ball.”
  • “You start chasing a ball and your brain immediately commands your body to ‘Run forward, bend, scoop up the ball, peg it to the infield,’ then your body says, ‘Who me?'”
  • “The phrase ‘off with the crack of the bat’, while romantic, is really meaningless, since the outfielder should be in motion long before he hears the sound of the ball meeting the bat.”

Importance of teamwork

  • “I feel like I have reached the stage where I can no longer produce for my club, my manager, and my teammates.”
  • “I’d like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.”

Other

  • “Too many kids today are playing major league ball and don’t belong there.”
  • “I’m a ballplayer, not an actor.”

What’s your favorite?

Joe DiMaggio was more than just a great baseball player, he was also wise beyond his years. His quotes about life, love, and loss continue to inspire people all over the world. If you’re ever feeling down or lost, remember these words of wisdom from one of America’s greatest heroes.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We're glad you found this post helpful.

Share it with your friends!

Our apologies if you found this post unhelpful.

How can it be improved? Your feedback is important to us!