Monte Irvin (left), Willie Mays (center), and Hank Thompson (right) posed together on the field at Yankee Stadium.
- This photograph is a faithful reproduction of an image from the permanent collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Photograph measures 8" x 10", with matting total measurement is 11" x 14"
- Archival quality photo paper
- Acid free matting
Possibly the greatest high school athlete in New Jersey history, Monte Irvin was a five-tool baseball player who starred in the Negro leagues with the Newark Eagles and in the Mexican League before becoming a National League star. A pioneer in the integration of Major League Baseball, Irvin debuted with the New York Giants in 1949 at age 30. A clutch hitter who particularly excelled in World Series play, Roy Campanella once called the outfielder, “the best all-around player I ever saw.”
Willie Mays, the “Say Hey Kid,” excelled in all phases of the game with a boyish enthusiasm and infectious exuberance. His staggering career statistics totaled 3,283 hits and 660 home runs. “You used to think if the score was 5-0, he’d hit a five run homer,” recalled Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. The New York Giants superstar earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1951 and two N.L. Most Valuable Player awards (1954 and 1965). He accumulated 12 Gold Glove awards and played in a record-tying 24 All-Star games. His catch of Vic Wertz’s deep fly ball in the 1954 World Series remains one of baseball’s most memorable moments.
Monte Irvin (left), Willie Mays (center), and Hank Thompson (right) posed together on the field at Yankee Stadium.
- This photograph is a faithful reproduction of an image from the permanent collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Photograph measures 8" x 10", with matting total measurement is 11" x 14"
- Archival quality photo paper
- Acid free matting
Possibly the greatest high school athlete in New Jersey history, Monte Irvin was a five-tool baseball player who starred in the Negro leagues with the Newark Eagles and in the Mexican League before becoming a National League star. A pioneer in the integration of Major League Baseball, Irvin debuted with the New York Giants in 1949 at age 30. A clutch hitter who particularly excelled in World Series play, Roy Campanella once called the outfielder, “the best all-around player I ever saw.”
Willie Mays, the “Say Hey Kid,” excelled in all phases of the game with a boyish enthusiasm and infectious exuberance. His staggering career statistics totaled 3,283 hits and 660 home runs. “You used to think if the score was 5-0, he’d hit a five run homer,” recalled Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. The New York Giants superstar earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1951 and two N.L. Most Valuable Player awards (1954 and 1965). He accumulated 12 Gold Glove awards and played in a record-tying 24 All-Star games. His catch of Vic Wertz’s deep fly ball in the 1954 World Series remains one of baseball’s most memorable moments.
