Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin dies at 96

SFGate ^ | 1/12/16

[Jolla]

Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a power-hitting outfielder who starred for the New York Giants in the 1950s in a career abbreviated by major league baseball's exclusion of black players, has died. He was 96.

[Jolla]

One hero left from the 1951 New York Giants Baseball Club - Willie Mays - many people thought Irvin would be the first black player in MLB

[babble-on]

Mays looked up to the older Irvin tremendously. Was heartbroken when Irvin injured his leg sliding into second base.

[babble-on]

correction: third base

[cumbo78]

RIP to a great American and a WW II hero.

[kabar]

I remember the 1951 Giants well. I treasure my trips to the Polo Grounds to watch them play.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[a fool in paradise]

It’s a shame this thread slid into obscurity on FR and that there have been no others posted.

He was pleasant to talk with and sharp well into his 90s.

[Jolla]

Yes, I too am disappointed with losing a great man with such disregard, a sad reflection.

[EveningStar]

ping