Batter Up! Postal Service Hits Homer At Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Joe DiMaggio had an outstanding baseball career complete with 10 pennants and nine World Series titles, a collection of awards, and a Baseball Hall of Fame induction.  Yet there was another part of his life that brought incredible meaning to him in his later years.  In 1992, DiMaggio gave his name and fundraising efforts to support a children’s hospital at Memorial Regional in Hollywood FL, making clear the one caveat to all of his support:  No child will ever be turned away because of inability to pay. 

On Saturday, September 8, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital hosted a birthday party celebrating 20 years of world-class healthcare.  A highlight was District Manager Jeffrey Becker and Hollywood Officer-In-Charge Michael Lloyd who presented an enlargement of the Joe DiMaggio stamp to hospital administrators Nina Beauchesne and Sharon Kaplan and to Morris Engelberg, DiMaggio’s friend and confidante.  During the stamp dedication, Engelberg praised the man behind the legend who was admired for his skill and grace as a fielder and 
base runner.

District Manager Jeffrey Becker and Hollywood Officer-In-Charge Michael Lloyd get ready for stamp presentation.  Photo:  Eileen Cescon

(L to R):  Morris Engelberg, Jeffrey Becker, Michael Lloyd, and Nina Beauchesne on stage.

Photo:  Eileen Cescon

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Engelberg pose with DiMaggio stamp framed artwork.  Photo: Eileen  Cescon 

Hospital administration and a host of celebrities gather onstage for the lighting of the cake.                                     Photo:  Eileen Cescon

Sparky the Fire Dog shakes on a promise to Hollywood OIC Michael Lloyd that the neighborhood dogs will respect their letter carrier.  Photo:  Debra J. Fetterly

(L to R) Hollywood OIC Michael Lloyd and wife, Jo; Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Briggett Glinton; Fort Pierce Customer Relations Coordinator Ann Marie Tighe; Hollywood Supervisor, Customer Services Alyce McMahon; and Hollywood Clerk Robin Stewart.  Photo:  Debra J. Fetterly

Morris Engelberg, Joe DiMaggio's friend and confidante, takes a closer look at the special cachet envelope commemorating the hospital's 20-year anniversary.                                             Photo:  Debra J. Fetterly

Special cachet envelope is available at $4.00 each at Hollywood Post Offices.

Mrs. Engelberg (in green) chats with CRC Ann Marie Tighe (right) while Eileen Cescon (background) takes a break from photography duties to chat with Mr. Engelberg.  Photo:  Debra J. Fetterly

Giant Golden Oreo cookie and friends can't wait to taste the birthday cake.  Photo:  Briggett Glinton

(L to R) Hospital Administrator Sharon Kaplan; Joe DiMaggio's good friend, Morris Engelberg; District Manager Jeffrey Becker, Hollywood Officer-In-Charge Michael Lloyd; and Hospital Administrator Nina Beauchesne.  Photo:  Briggett Glinton