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BORN
1919
DIED
2016
Monte Irvin Obituary
Irvin started his career playing for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League. He served in the Military during World War II and then went back to playing for the Eagles. He was a five-time Negro League All-Star.
In 1949, The Giants signed him to a contract. He led the league in RBI’s in 1951 and teamed up with Hank Thompson and Willie Mays to form the first all-black outfield in the majors. He was a Major League Baseball All-Star in 1952 and he helped lead the Giants to a World Series Championship in 1954.
Irvin had a career batting average of .293 and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. After his playing career, he was named an MLB public relations specialist for the commissioner's office under Bowie Kuhn in 1968. The appointment made him the first black executive in professional baseball.
On June 26, 2010, the San Francisco Giants officially retired his number 20 uniform. He was joined by fellow Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Gaylord Perry and Orlando Cepeda in the pre-game ceremony.
35 Entries
Sandra Hamilton
June 2, 2024
Just thought of your dad as the great news of baseball history has been revised!! Long overdo!! Your dad and my dad were friends from Lincoln. My dad was Frank Gordon. They remained friends until my dad transitioned in 2006. Your dad called my mom after dads death.. How kind and thoughtful of him.
The Carter Family
May 10, 2016
Looking on the outside, Monte Irvin lived a long, successful, and great life. He makes me proud to be a Black American and inspire me to do my best to inspire others by the examples I set. I hope it is comforting to loved ones left behind that one day very, very soon, Mr. Irvin will return to his youthful vigor when he enters the promised Paradise. There his entrance will be welcomed by all who love and adore him. In loving memory of Mr. monte Irvin, one of our greatest!
Gail
May 4, 2016
Condolence the the Irvin family. May god comfort and bless you.
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Gil Hilsky
April 12, 2016
My condolences to the Irvin Family. He was favorite person growing up in West Orange and working in Orange and wish we had more ball players like him
February 28, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Elena Hegarty
February 4, 2016
I hope now you & my dad can have longer conversations about a game you both loved. It was a pleasure to count you as a friend.
Tracy Lawhon
January 23, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Monte Irvin. I talked with Monte many times and he was always happy to talk about baseball.....he enjoyed talking to me because I didn't know a whole lot about the sport. LOL RIP Monte. You will definitely be missed.
charise morgan
January 19, 2016
"The span of our life is 70 or 80yrs because of special mightiness."-Psalms 90:10. Your loved one defintely possessed that special mightiness living well into his 90's. May you rejoice in being blessed with the time you spent with him and the time your going to spend with him, when he is resurrected.
Ms. Morgan
January 18, 2016
I have been a Giant fan since I was a kid & I still am. I loved Mays, but Monte was my only real idol. I spoke to him and told him how lucky I was to speak to my childhood idol.
We spoke every month or so...
He loved to talk baseball & sounded like a kid. He was a great athlete, but most of all-a true gentleman. I will miss him.
Andy Becker
Fort Lauderdale
January 18, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Scott Chamberland
January 17, 2016
Rest in Peace
Roger Dimick
January 16, 2016
As a young boy Monte was one of my boyhood baseball heroes from the Minneapolis Millers. To his family, please accept my condolences.
January 16, 2016
Our prayers are with the Irvin Family & friends at this time. May the God who gives peace be with all of you. Ro.15:33
Clayton Lemmons
January 15, 2016
I met Mr. Irvin and his wife when they first moved to Houston. Since this time and up until the last few months I had lunch with him at least twice a month. Monte shared his home, family, stories and knew my family by name. I will miss the time we enjoyed, memories shared and your favorite schnapps. - Your Friend, Clayton
Suzanne stamper
January 15, 2016
Wow didn't know he passed away so sorry
Mark T. McDonald
January 14, 2016
My heart and thoughts are with the Family during this time of grieving. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful person.
Verge Brinson
January 14, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late
Monte Irvin. May you find comfort in the many fond memories and happy time you all shared with Mr Monte Irvin.
Arthur Sudfield
January 14, 2016
Patricia & Pamela,
So sorry to learn of Dad's passing. My late father sold Monte, Preston Grimsley & Cal their suits in Newark. I met Monte thru my Dad. Monte was not only a GREAT ballplayer, but a fine gentleman.
AH
January 14, 2016
Our prayers go out to the family. May Gods love embrace you during this difficult time (1Pet.5:7).
January 14, 2016
Beloveds, so saddened to hear of Monte Irvin's passing. What a long wonderful life he lived. Many cannot say the same. May his memory live in your hearts and in God's book of life. I hope to meet him in Paradise . . . Luke23:43
Cindy Buske
January 14, 2016
Mr. Irvin was one of the nicest people I met when I came to Homosassa. I've missed them since he and his wife moved to Texas but I am glad they had the time with their family. My prayers are with you all.
Andrew Svaby
January 14, 2016
My late father shared a taxicab with Monte, in a rainstorm, (before political correctness) on May 8,1966. His generosity, from that encounter, along with Joe Reichler, enabled us to see many HOF inductions and games in Cooperstown, over the years! A true clas guy all the way around!
January 13, 2016
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family and friends during this time of sorrow Psalms 119: 76
January 13, 2016
I still have the Monte's autograph I got when he visited with Connie Mack in North Brookfield, Mass.!
January 13, 2016
Dear Pat and Pam, I was very sad to hear of your Father's death. I knew your parents when they lived in Sugarmill Woods and had the pleasure of his company on many occasions when he would join George Koprowski and I for shrimp Caesar salad lunch and to play 3-handed pinochle. He and my deceased husband George would spend hours talking baseball and they shared this passion until George's death in 2006. I would keep in touch with Christmas cards when he moved to Houston with your Mother but hadn't heard from him and thought he was in poor health. No finer gentleman walked this earth and I hope your memories bring you comfort in the days to come. He was very proud of you and his grand-daughter and shared her success when we last spoke some time ago. I will keep all of you in my prayers and if you would suggest something I can do to honor him I would be very honored to do it. I remarried after George's death and your Dad knew this and sent his blessing. Olivia Bruce Kosling, 33 Wild Olive Ct, Homosassa, FL 34446
Dwaine Johnson
January 13, 2016
My Sincere Condolence's to Mr. Irvin's Family and Friends. I am fan of the Negro League Player's and Teams. So much History in Baseball. My favorite memorabilia I collect are Negro League items. Monte served our Country in the Armed Forces, and patrolled the outfield in our History. God Bless You Sir..... Your position in the Outfield has been cemented in History.
Pat
January 13, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Phil 4:6,7
January 13, 2016
Please accept my apology on the loss of your love one.
January 13, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
DON Harris
January 12, 2016
Monte my dear friend you will be sorely missed.The epitome of CLASS. My family loved you. Don Harris (Phoenix, AZ)
steven Rothschild
January 12, 2016
He will be missed
January 12, 2016
My condolences to the Irvin family. May Heavenly father grant you comfort. (Psalms 9:9)
Billy Snow
January 12, 2016
My uncle Felton Snow played in the Nego leagues with Mr Irvin .Mr Irvan was a good man
Harry Simpson
January 12, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Monte, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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