MR. MURDER!!!...Monte Irvin nearly shared the infield with Brooklyn’s Jackie Robinson, but the Newark Bears owner, Effa Manley, refused to allow her All-Star center fielder leave without compensation, which Dodgers GM Branch Rickey refused. After that fateful refusal amounted to Irvin’s MVP nod in the Puerto Rican League in 1945-46 and then a Negro League World Series in 1946. The five-time Negro League All-Star then joined the New York Giants in 1949 and helped lead them to the 1951 and 1954 World Series. It is so unfortunate that so many years were lost to segregation for Monte Irvin considering the type of player he was throughout his career. He won three World Series and was a four-time NL All-Star and an MLB Mid-Summer Classic invitee in 1952. Presented here is a 1953 Topps #62 Irvin graded 9 MINT by PSA. This is a beauty boasting superb imagery which includes wonderful color, superior borders, and a sharp perimeter and fine centering. This coveted Hall of Famer card from the stunning 1953 Topps set is sure to upgrade any set to which it is added.