Monte Irvin
Playing in the Negro leagues during his prime, talented Monte Irvin made it to the majors in 1949 with the Giants. Despite his years in the shadows, Irvin still enjoyed a fine career, finishing among league leaders in many offensive categories in 1951 and 1953, his best seasons in the majors. In 1951 he paced the National League in RBI, helping the Giants to the pennant.
Played For
New York Giants (1949-1955)
Chicago Cubs (1956)
All-Time Rankings
Monte Irvin ranks #10 among the Top 50 all-time at LF. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1951
Like many stars who came from the Negro leagues, Irvin was a five-tool player. In 1951 he finished near the league-lead in home runs and steals, paced the league in RBI, and was third in triples. He batted .312 with a .514 slugging mark, and a had a .415 OBP in the only ML season he stayed healthy. He was 32 years old, and his best seasons had been in the Negro leagues.
Where He Played
Left field in the big leagues, though he played the infield in the Negro leagues.
Born
Montford Merrill Irvin was born on February 25, 1919, in Columbia, AL.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: NY1
Major League Debut
July 8, 1949 ... The Giants bought Irvin's contract for a reported $5,000 from Effa Manley, the famed Negro league owner of the Newark Eagles. The Dodgers had held Irvin's rights, but had released them after the 1948-1949 Winter League season. According to Irvin, he was offered a contract by Brooklyn as early as 1945, but declined, preferring to play in the Puerto Rican league following three seasons in the Army during World War II.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1949
Monte Irvin
Minnie Minoso
Roy Sievers
Smoky Burgess
Del Crandall
Bobby Avila
Walt Dropo
Don Newcombe
Morrie Martin
Uniform Numbers
#7 (1949), #20 (1950-1955), #39 (1956)
Similar Players
Jermaine Dye
Related Players
Willie Mays, Buck O'Neil
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1973 |
Negro League |
|
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1951 World Series
1954 World Series
Transactions
November 27, 1955: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs from the New York Giants in the 1955 Rule V draft.
All-Star Selections
1952 NL
Replaced
Whitey Lockman, believe it or not.
Replaced By
Lee Walls
Best Strength as a Player
Athleticism; Irvin had been a four-sport all-stater at East orange High School in New Jersey. He was quick, fast, and he had a great throwing arm and good hitting power.
Largest Weakness as a Player
None
Learn More about Monte Irvin
Search Amazon.com for Books about Monte Irvin ⇒
Search for Monte Irvin at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
