Monte Irvin, RIP -- January 16, 2016

I was sad to learn of the passing of Giants great Monte Irvin.  He played in the Negro Leagues for the Newark Eagles and was an All Star five times.  Newark won the Negro League World Series in 1946.  His Negro League career was interrupted by Army service during World War II.

In 1949, Irvin and Hank Thompson were the first two African American Giants players, if you don't count the men John McGraw tried to pass off as Native American.  Irvin was an outfielder who could hit, run, field and throw exceptionally well.  He was a Major League All Star once.

When Willie Mays joined the Giants in 1951, Irvin was his mentor.

Irvin played in the Major League World Series in 1951 and 1954.  He played for the Cubs in 1956 and retired in 1957 because of a back injury.