Monte Irvin, a Hall of Fame outfielder who helped break down baseball's racial barrier, died of natural causes Monday night in Houston. He was 96.
Jeff Idelson, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, released a statement to Richard Justice and Chris Haft of MLB.com:
Monte Irvin's affable demeanor, strong constitution and coolness under pressure helped guide baseball through desegregation and set a standard for American culture. His abilities on the field as the consummate teammate are undeniable, as evidenced by World Series titles he contributed to in both the Negro and Major leagues, and a richly deserved plaque in Cooperstown.