I used to watch Monte Irvin play when I was a kid. I idolized him. I used to wait in front of the ballpark just for him to pass by so I could see him.
I was born to play baseball.
I couldn't ask for better teammates, and the Pirate fans are the greatest in baseball.
I loved the game so much that even though our playing field was muddy and we had many trees on it, I used to play many hours every day.
I wasn't ready for the majors when I joined the Pirates in 1955. I was too young and didn't know my way around.
But some people act like they think I live in the jungle someplace.
