The Joe DiMaggio League Most Valuable Player Award is presented each year to the outstanding player in the State Tournament.  The Award is named after former league president, Pete Franceschi, who passed away in 1989.

Pete Franceschi, a native San Franciscan, was an outstanding prep athlete at Mission High School, excelling in football, baseball, soccer and track.  His speed and agility on the football field led to a scholarship to the University of San Franscisco.  After an outstanding career at USF, that led to his induction into the USF Hall of Fame, Pete entered the military service. Pete resumed his football career as a member of the origianl San Francisco 49ers.  After one year as a runningback, he decided his 147 pound frame was too light for pro football and he retired.

After spending several years away from sports, Pete, at the encouragement of Thelma Williams, began coaching baseball. His dedicated coaching and love of sports led to an offer from the San Francisco PAL to become the Director of Baseball, a position he held for over 20 years.

During his years with PAL, Pete became associated with the Joe DiMaggio League as a coach, a member of the board of directors and eventually, president.  During his tenure as President, he single-handedly kept the Joe DiMaggio League operating efficiently and effectively.

Pete's drive, enthusiasm and desire to provide youth with an opportunity to compete in athletic endeavors was unmatched in San Francisco.  He would never slow down, even after suffering two severe heart attacks.  On the last day of his life, Pete spent the afternoon at a DiMaggio game.  He suffered a stroke on his way home, which ended his life.

Pete will be remembered for his qualities of hard work, fairness, enthusiasm and love of people.  He always gave 100% of himself, asking little or nothing in return.  If the youth of San Francisco and the Joe DiMaggio League ever needed a role model, they could find no better than Pete Franceschi.