How does the old man feel about Joe DiMaggio, how is this shown, and what does this say about the man's character?

Ernest Hemingway writes in "The Old Man And The Sea:"

"The Yankees cannot lose."

"But I fear the Indians of Cleveland."

"Have faith in the Yankees my son.  Think of the great DiMaggio."pg 17.

Santiago's attitude toward Joe DiMaggio is one of fondness and honor.  He thinks Joe is great and has faith in the Yankees because they have the "great" Joe DiMaggio.  Hemingway also shows us Santiago's respect for DiMaggio through Santiago's remarks about Joe while he is fighting to catch the big marlin.  On page 103-104  Santiago states that he wonders how DiMaggio would have liked how he hit the marlin "in the brain."  Santiago is a man who honors men who work hard, have confidence in themselves, and have integrity. He respects DiMaggio so much he says he would like to take him fishing sometime.