DiMaggio's estate cuts merchandise deal
NewsCore
Share This Story
NEW YORK
"Yankee Clipper" Joe DiMaggio was getting ready to step to the plate again and take a few swings as a consumer product brand, the New York Post reported Monday.
The estate of baseball legend DiMaggio cut a deal to put the fleet-footed center fielder's name and likeness on a slew of new merchandise planned to launch next year.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak -- one of the most enduring records in sports -- an assortment of trading cards, bats, T-shirts and jerseys was already in the works, said Michelle Alfandari of the New York-based MODA Licensing.
But the bigger initiative was to develop a stable of enduring product lines inspired by "Joltin' Joe," from food to fragrances, she said. A new line of men's clothing and accessories aimed at department stores would be a special focus.
"Joe's style, grace and elegance transcended sports," said Elizabeth Kanna of Dominant Players, a California-based firm hired to devise the branding strategy for the effort.
Kanna said the deal was worth "millions and millions" but declined to be more specific, saying it was too early in the game.
She likened DiMaggio's superstardom to that of his one-time wife Marilyn Monroe, whose image rights likewise were acquired in January by a different licensing firm. Sources said that deal was cut for less than $50 million after about six months of talks.
"What Joe DiMaggio stood for is as relevant now as it was then," Kanna said, citing "his athleticism, his romanticism, his teamwork, winning and doing the right thing."
Ironically, "doing the right thing" helped delay the licensing initiative since DiMaggio's death on March 8, 1999, said Morris Engelberg, the baseball star's longtime friend and lawyer.
"When Joe was on his deathbed, he gripped me by the tie and said, 'You better protect my name,'" Engelberg said, in his first interview since inking the deal. "I think the reality is that I probably held back too long -- I owed it to the children and family."
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: UFC Octagon vixen arrested
Report: UFC Octagon vixen Arianny Celeste arrested. -
Report: Vick event sparks backlash
A seemingly innocuous visit from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick caused ... -
Franchitti wins Indy 500
Review all the details from this year's big race. -
No way Celtics can hang with Heat
Celtics advance to East finals, but Heat have nothing to worry about. -
Dario Franchitti wins 2012 Indy 500
Dario Franchitti holds off late charge, wins third Indy 500.
MLB Videos
Dodgers drop Astros
Posted: May 27, 2012
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Rays rock Red Sox
Posted: May 27, 2012
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Tigers top Twins
Posted: May 27, 2012
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.