MARCH 8, 1946
The first spring training game ever to be played in Arizona takes place at Tucson’s Hi Corbett Field. The Indians, behind the pitching of Bob Lemon, beat the Giants, 3-1, in the inaugural Cactus League contest. (Nationalpastime.com)
THE NEW YORK GIANTS PRESERVATION SOCIETY SALUTES MONTE IRVIN ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
by Bruce Slutsky
The New York Giants Preservation Society met last night at Finnerty’s to celebrate the 100th birthday of Monte Irvin who played for the New York Giants from 1949-1955 and who was one of the first African American baseball players in Major League Baseball. You can see from Baseball-Reference that he did not come to the Giants until he was 30 years old, but played in the Negro Leagues before that.
Gary Brown and John Barr, who actually met Monte Irvin, spoke to the audience and said only glowing things about him. Audience members were invited to contribute to the discussion as well. A great time was had by all!
FEBRUARY 26, 1957
The Giants trade right-hander Hoyt Wilhelm to the Cardinals for their former all-star first baseman/outfielder Whitey Lockman. The knuckleballer will win only one of five decisions for the Redbirds before being selected off waivers by Cleveland in September, and New York’s newest infielder will spend two seasons with his old club hitting .246 in 225 games over that span.
(Nationalpastime.com)
FEBRUARY 25, 1934
At the age of 60, John McGraw dies at New Rochelle Hospital, two weeks after entering the facility with optimistic reports about his recovery. The renown Giants skipper, known as ‘Little Napolean’ due to his style and stature, won ten pennants and three world championships during his 30 years as the team’s manager.
(Nationalpastime.com)
FEB 21, 1931
The White Sox and Giants become the first major league teams to play a night game. The Buffs Stadium (Houston, Texas) exhibition game lasts ten innings with the teams collecting a total of 23 hits.
(Nationalpastime.com)
FEBRUARY 19, 1946
Danny Gardella becomes the first major league player to jump to the Mexican League. The outfielder goes south of the border lured by a salary of $10,000, more than double the amount offered by the Giants.
(Nationalpastime.com)
NYGPS FIRST 2019 MEETING TO HONOR MONTE IRVIN’S LIFE AT FINNERTY’S FEBRUARY 25TH.
The New York Giants Preservation Society’s first meeting of 2019
will take place on February 25 at our new home base Finnerty’s at 6PM. The night
will be entitled: Monte Irvin: A Centennial
Celebration. This night would have
marked Irvin’s 100th Birthday.
On hand will be many members of the NYGPS who had personal experiences
throughout the years. They include as of
this date, Gary Brown and John Barr. We hope to have a special guest or two as
well. Finnerty’s is located at 221 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. We will have use of
their backroom. For your enjoyment, libations will be available at the Happy
Hour rate until 8PM. Drinks specials are:
$5 draft beers
$6 mixed well cocktails
$7 glasses of wine
Please RSVP ASAP to me. All the best, Gary
FEBRUARY 1, 1913
Jim Thorpe signs with the New York baseball Giants. The Olympic hero will compile a life-time .252 batting average during his six seasons in the major leagues, which includes stints with the Reds and Braves.
(Nationalpastime.com)
FEBRUARY 1, 1973
Commissioner Bowie Kuhn announces the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues selection of Monte Irvin to the Hall of Fame. The outfielder spent five full seasons in the major leagues, and was the first black to play for the Giants.
(Nationalpastime.com)
JANUARY 31, 2001
The Wall Street Journal’s Joshua Prager quotes former players Monte Irvin, Sal Yvars and Al Gettel “admitting” the team stole catchers’ signs during the 1951 pennant race when the Giants overcame the Dodgers’ 13 1/2-game lead. According to Prager’s WSJ report, Bobby Thomson, whose three-run, ninth-inning walk-off homer in Game 3 of the National League playoffs won the pennant for New York, did not steal a sign before hitting his historic home run. (Nationalpastime.com)
JANUARY 30, 1954
The Giants trade playoff hero Bobby Thomson and Sam Calderone to the Braves for Johnny Antonelli, Don Liddle and Ebba St. Claire. Antonelli will go 21-7 and will lead the league in ERA.(Nationalpastime.com)