On February 1, 1973, Monte Irvin is elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues. One of the finest African-American players in the years preceding integration. Irvin becomes the fourth player to gain election through the committee,. Joining Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Buck Leonard. Irvin won two batting crowns for the Newark Eagles in a ineup that also included legends Willie Wells, Biz Mackey and Mule Suttles. Irvin joined the National League in 1949 and was a key contributor to two New York Giants pennant-winners, batting 458 in the 1951 World Series.