He's in a Houston retirement community, but at the age of 91 Monte Irvin is still going strong, telling stories and enjoying life.
He's in a Houston retirement community, but at the age of 91 Monte Irvin is still going strong, telling stories and enjoying life.
Irvin sat down with the Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle for a long interview, telling tales of his days with the New York Giants and how he reacted when Bobby Thomson hit his dramatic homer to win the pennant for the Giants. He also tells of his relationships with others players, including a frosty one with Jackie Robinson and a great one with Roy Campanella:
And there was the time in winter ball when his buddy Roy Campanella decided to help him out of a slump.
“He said he’d give me a pitch if they had a good lead,’’ Irvin said.
So he came up in the late innings, and Campanella whispered, “Curveball.’’
Irvin took the pitch.
OK, let’s try again.
“Fastball,’’ Campanella whispered.
Irvin took another pitch.
“What the hell are you waiting for?’’ Campanella asked.
Irvin smiles at the memory.
“I had to check you out,’’ he said. “You’re not known for telling the truth.’’
Once more, Campanella whispered, “Fastball,’’ and Irvin lined the pitch to center for a single.
“OK,’’ Irvin told him, “you did me a favor. Now I’ll do you one.’’
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