TAMPA, Fla. -- Damian Costantino, who set an NCAA record by hitting in 60 consecutive games, met the old record holder, former Oklahoma State and current New York Yankees third baseman Robin Ventura.

Costantino, an outfielder for Division III Salve Regina of Newport, R.I., on Monday became the Joe DiMaggio of college baseball, hitting safely in his 59th and 60th straight games -- breaking the record of 58 games set by Ventura for Oklahoma State in 1987.

"It was great,'' Costantino said. "I was anxious to meet him. He told me it was great and wished me luck.''

The major league record is held by DiMaggio, who hit safely in 56 consecutive games for the Yankees in 1941.

Costantino had the opportunity to talk with manager Joe Torre, coach Don Zimmer, Derek Jeter and his favorite player, Jason Giambi.

"Never in my wildest dreams,'' Costantino said. "I never imagined this. It's incredible. I don't know what to say to anybody.''

Costantino, a 24-year-old junior from Warwick, R.I., had his streak end Tuesday. A Red Sox fan, Costantino completed his record-breaking run with a sprained right wrist, which occurred several weeks ago.

"I blocked it out,'' Costantino said.

Costantino's streak began April 1, 2001, against Rhode Island College. He hit safely in the final 21 games of the 2001 season.

"He was a nice kid,'' Ventura said. "He seems to be happy to be here.''