Helmar “This Great Game” Card #74 – Monte Irvin (New York Giants)

This luminous Helmar art card portrays Monte Irvin of the New York Giants greeting fans with a relaxed wave and an easy smile. Set against a radiant ballpark backdrop of warm reds and cool greens, the composition captures the optimism of postwar baseball. The artist’s balanced tones and fine detailing in Irvin’s face and uniform evoke a sense of grace and dignity befitting one of the game’s true pioneers.

Monte Irvin (1919–2016) was a bridge between the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, combining exceptional skill with quiet leadership. A two-time Negro League batting champion, Irvin joined the New York Giants in 1949 and quickly became one of their most respected players, leading them to a World Series title in 1954. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973, Irvin’s legacy endures as both a great player and a gentleman of the game.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series honors baseball’s timeless spirit through hand-painted portraits inspired by the art and color of mid-century gum cards. Each piece reflects the dedication and nostalgia that make the Helmar series a collector’s favorite, celebrating both the craft and the legend of America’s pastime.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.