I was all-state in four sports in New Jersey, but sometimes I couldn't get served at a restaurant two blocks from my high school. There were no job opportunities then... the only thing a black youth could aspire to be… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
Willie Wells, Ray Dandridge, Leon Day, Buck Leonard, Quincy Troupe, Satchel Paige - earlier than when he was called up - Oscar Charleston and… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
Everyone says we have our first African American president. Has there ever been a Jewish president? An Italian president? They don't say a damn… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
I was all-state in four sports in New Jersey, but sometimes I couldn't get served at a restaurant two blocks from my high school.… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
My mother was a Bible student, and when I was a youngster, both my mother and father would say, 'If people would only live… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
I always felt that I had a mission in life. I thought I was born to play sports. Even now, I still feel that… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
We used to look at each other and say, 'We play the same game with the same rules, the same bat, the same ball,… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
Early in life I learned, just through observation, that right always wins out over wrong. If a person has good intentions in his heart… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
I played for Almendares in Cuba. Guess who was trying out for the team? Castro. Fidel Castro, as a pitcher. He could throw pretty… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
For me, there was nothing like my time with the Eagles - ever. We were young, and the world was new to us. It… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
Many of the greatest black athletes of all time played baseball for no money and no recognition. I'm just sorry many major league fans… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
It was in 1942 and I flew from St. Louis to Mexico City. I had just gotten married and we were on our honeymoon.… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
The reason we had an all-black outfield in '51 is Don Mueller got hurt, so Hank Thompson was a legitimate replacement. So what? People… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
Oscar Charleston was the Willie Mays of his day. Nobody ever played center field better than Willie Mays. Suppose they had never given Willie… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
I'm a forgiver. I might not forget, but I forgive. My mother, father and older brother always told me: 'Don't hold grudges. If you… — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
I played with Willie Mays and against Hank Aaron. They were tremendous players, but they were no Josh Gibson. — Monte Irvin Copy Share Image
