Yankees' Joe DiMaggio hitting streak almost went much longer than 56 games

Joe DiMaggio and the number go hand in hand.

For 56 games in a row, the New York Yankees legend hit safely in 1941.

That streak ended on the day this is written, July 17. DiMaggio went 0-for-3.

But the most untold remarkable thing about the streak, and about its ending, is what came immediately after.

On July 18, 1941, DiMaggio had no hitting streak anymore. But that day, he recorded a hit.

And so began a 16-game hitting streak.

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DiMaggio hit safely in 72 out of 73 games.

If not for that pesky 0-for-3 on July 17, 1941, DiMaggio may have had a 73-game hitting streak.

If you think the 56-gamer is an untouchable record now, imagine if it was 73.

Legendary. Absolutely legendary.

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