Home › Hall of Famers ›

Irvin, Monte

Monford Merrill Irvin
Born: February 25, 1919, Columbia, Alabama
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Newark Eagles (1937-1942, 1945-1948), New York Giants (1949-1955), Chicago Cubs (1956)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Negro Leagues Committee: 1973
Biography: 

One of the finest African-American players in the years preceding integration, Monte Irvin fashioned a career of dual excellence in both the Negro leagues and the Major Leagues. A high-average hitter with some power, he provided a potent bat in a Newark Eagles lineup that also included legends Willie Wells, Biz Mackey and Mule Suttles. The well-spoken and dignified Irvin joined the National League in 1949 and was a key contributor to two Giants pennant-winners, batting .458 in the 1951 World Series.

Click here to see additional information provided by Baseball-Reference

HOFers who reached their 90th birthday (pdf)

Induction Speech

Did You Know: 
that as a teenager, Monte Irvin set a New Jersey high school record for throwing the javelin?
Early in life I learned just through observation that right always wins out over wrong. If a person has good intentions in his heart, and wants to do the right thing, there are certain way that any obstacle can be overcome.