Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin dies at 96

Former New York Giants and Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame outfielder Monte Irvin died Monday at his home in Houston.

Irvin, who began his career in the Negro League in 1938, was one of the first African-American players to play in the Majors. He made the jump to the majors with the Giants and over eight years was able to tally 99 home runs, 443 RBI and a batting average of .293.

Irvin was key member of the Giants team that won the 1954 World Series.

"Monte Irvin’s affable demeanor, strong constitution and coolness under pressure helped guide baseball through desegregation and set a standard for American culture," said Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "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."

Irvin was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1973.