Joe DiMaggio's Streak, Game 12: Bring on the Heat (and the Streak) in Washington

Game 12, May 27, 1941

Ever been to the zoo and watched the lions just before feeding time?

On Monday, May 26, one could imagine 24 hungry Yankees pacing up and down the aisles as their train inched closer and closer to Griffiths Stadium in Washington.

Tomorrow was the start of a three-game stand in the nation’s capital. Not off the train yet, the Yanks smelled blood. Washington—a perennial second-division franchise—was on an eight-game losing streak. They had allowed no fewer than four runs in any of the losses.

This three-game series hinted at a Yankee buffet.

Players didn’t settle in on these short train rides: they didn't sleep, read much or write letters on these quick journeys. Manager Joe McCarthy probably roamed the various cars, checking on his guys, asking, “How’s the foot, Scooter?” and “Red? You OK for tomorrow?” Tommy Heinrich would either be talking to his bats or running a gin rummy game.

Others, like Frankie Crosetti, would be going over the potential pitchers with some of the younger hitters.

The closer the New York Yankees got to Griffiths Stadium, the more it felt like feeding time. These cats were even more edgy.

As the train settled in at the station, one by one, the New York Yankees set foot on Washington, D.C., soil. Yum. Was that barbecue they smelled, or struggling Senator pitcher Ken Chase?

As the Tuesday box score would tell, the aroma was Ken Chase and reliever Arnie Anderson.

Only 8,000 attended the contest. That oppressive muggy weather was a staple of afternoons in D.C. Outfielders like Joe DiMaggio needed to be in tip-top condition not to succumb to nine innings of that steamy environment. The toll often was greater on the pitchers.

In a 10-8 Yankees victory, DiMaggio was at the epicenter of the carnage. He went 4-for-5 with his seventh homer. He drove in three runs and scored three.

Chase (now 1-6) lasted 1.1 innings. His five hits yielded only one run, but he was gassed. Anderson followed, allowing six runs in three innings—including coughing up DiMaggio’s fourth-inning blast.

Red Ruffing (4-3) pitched just long enough to qualify for the win. Ruffing, dripping like a leaking condenser, was yanked in the sixth, leading 9-6.

In all, New York had 18 hits. A great offensive day. Because the Yanks’ pitching also felt the heat, this one was closer than McCarthy liked. For tonight, he told his guys to get some rest.

The Streak?

Twelve games.

JoeDiMaggio.com is the official and authorized Web site of Joe DiMaggio. During the 70th anniversary of DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak, it is publishing “Reliving Joe DiMaggio’s Streak,” which follows the daily progress of Joltin' Joe in 1941 Series Archive.