Monte Irvin almost pre-dated Jackie's historic MLB debut
Because of the terrible weather in the Northeast that accompanied the first weeks of the 2007 baseball season, celebrations honoring Jackie Robinson's contributions to both baseball and the breakdown of segregation were being held this past weekend in Boston. Simply put, Robinson's influence on society was huge and this baseball fan isn't really sure why we don't celebrate #42 every year.
But let's imagine for a minute that Robinson wasn't the one who broke the color barrier in baseball… In fact, it almost happened that way. Former Negro Leaguer Monte Irvin signed with the Dodgers in 1945–two years before Robinson made his MLB debut–but Irvin declined to play since he had just emerged from a stint in the Army and didn't feel he was at his best. Irvin debuted in 1949 and went on to play eight seasons with the New York Giants, earning two pennants and a spot in baseball's Hall of Fame.
Promoting his new book release, Few and Chosen: Defining Negro League Greatness, Irvin sat down for an interview with ASAP's John Marshall to discuss how he could have been the first black player in baseball and his respect for Jackie Robinson. It's an interesting read for anyone interested in the history of the great game of baseball.
Monte Irwin could very well be the man that we talk about. But unfortunately he did not take advantage of the opportunity.
Thanks for your comment! It might be presumptuous to say that Irwin simply didn't take advantage of the opportunity. While the article only said that Irwin didn't "feel at his best" when he emerged from the army, it's entirely possible that he was traumatized by the war. Simply picking up his baseball life where he left off might not have been such an easy thing to do. So, rather than say Irwin failed to take advantage of an opportunity, I'll just say it was a matter of bad timing for him.
I have a Irwin autograph on a Hall of Fame plaque and an index card. They are on my wall and am proud to have them.
That is so cool, Rick!