John Montague – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

John Evans Montague built a seven-year career as a professional baseball pitcher, leaving his mark on four Major League Baseball teams from 1973 to 1980. He was born on September 12, 1947, in Newport News, Virginia. Montague played for the Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and California Angels.

Montague wrapped up his baseball career on August 28, 1980, making his last appearance for the California Angels against the Baltimore Orioles. His stats—a 24-26 win-loss record and a 4.76 earned run average—might not put him among the legends, but he found a special place in baseball history with the expansion Seattle Mariners.

He notched his most notable achievement during the Mariners’ inaugural 1977 season. Montague recorded the franchise’s first save, preserving a 5-1 win over the California Angels at the Kingdome on April 9, 1977.

That moment is just one part of a career that stretched through the changing landscape of 1970s baseball, including new teams and shifting pitching strategies.

Early Life and Education

John Evans Montague came into the world on September 12, 1947, in Newport News, Virginia. He developed his early baseball skills there.

His journey from a small Virginia city to professional baseball started in high school and continued at Old Dominion University.

Birthplace and Family Background

Montague grew up in Newport News, Virginia, a shipbuilding city on the Virginia Peninsula. Born in 1947, he experienced a community rich in naval history and working-class values.

Newport News gave young athletes plenty of opportunities in the 1950s and 1960s. The Tidewater region’s climate meant he could play sports all year.

Public records don’t offer many details about Montague’s immediate family. Still, growing up in Newport News likely exposed him to Virginia’s strong baseball tradition.

After World War II, Newport News invested in youth sports. Local programs helped shape athletes like Montague.

High School Years in Newport News

Montague attended Newport News High School, where scouts and coaches started noticing his baseball talent. He really began to stand out on the high school diamond.

In 1965, during his senior year, Major League Baseball scouts took note of his pitching. His right-handed delivery and command made him an appealing prospect.

The Chicago White Sox picked Montague in the 15th round of the 1965 MLB June Amateur Draft straight out of high school. That selection validated his hard work and potential.

His high school experience laid the foundation for his professional growth. The discipline and skills he picked up during those years proved essential throughout his MLB journey.

College Baseball at Old Dominion University

After high school, Montague continued developing his game at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Staying close to home let him keep familiar surroundings while he went to college.

At Old Dominion, he worked on his pitching mechanics and faced tougher competition. The university’s baseball program gave him structured training and more chances to improve.

His college career paid off when the Baltimore Orioles picked him in the 3rd round of the 1967 MLB January Draft. That higher draft spot reflected his growth at Old Dominion.

Balancing academics and athletics at Old Dominion helped Montague prepare for pro baseball. His time there gave him the skills and maturity needed for his MLB debut in 1973.

Path to the Major Leagues

John Montague’s road to professional baseball started in high school when the Chicago White Sox drafted him in 1965. He decided to play college ball instead. The Baltimore Orioles later drafted him in 1967, and he began his pro development in their minor league system.

1965 Major League Baseball Draft with the Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox drafted Montague in the 15th round of the 1965 Major League Baseball Draft while he was still in high school. That was his first shot at going pro straight from Newport News High.

Montague chose not to sign with the White Sox. He wanted to continue his education and play college baseball at Old Dominion.

That choice worked out for his long-term development. College baseball gave him time to grow and sharpen his pitching before joining the pros.

Baltimore Orioles Draft and Minor League Journey

The Baltimore Orioles drafted Montague in the 3rd round of the 1967 amateur draft after his time at Old Dominion. That higher pick showed he’d improved a lot during college.

Montague signed with the Orioles and joined their minor league system. He spent several years there, working on his pitching from 1967 through 1972.

The Orioles organization gave him the coaching and competition he needed to get ready for the majors. He focused on his mechanics and learned to compete against tougher opponents.

Transition to Professional Baseball

On April 13, 1973, the Baltimore Orioles traded Montague to the Montreal Expos for pitcher Mickey Scott. That trade finally opened the door for him to reach the majors.

Montreal offered Montague his first real shot at the big leagues. The Expos let him show what he could do at the highest level.

Montague made his major league debut on September 9, 1973, against the New York Mets. He threw one inning in relief, retiring all three batters he faced. That was the start of his seven-year MLB career.

MLB Career Overview

John Montague pitched for four MLB teams over seven seasons from 1973 to 1980. He finished with a 24-26 record, a 4.76 ERA, and 260 strikeouts. He played for the Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and California Angels. His biggest claim to fame? Recording the first save in Seattle Mariners history.

Montreal Expos Tenure

Montague started his MLB career with the Montreal Expos on September 9, 1973, after the Orioles traded him for Mickey Scott. He debuted against the New York Mets, pitching a perfect eighth inning in a 3-0 loss.

From 1973 to 1975, Montague appeared in 62 games for the Expos. His best year was 1974, when he went 3-4 with 3 saves in 46 appearances, including one start.

He wrapped up his time in Montreal in 1975, making just 12 appearances before the Philadelphia Phillies claimed him off waivers on September 2. He left Montreal with an 0-1 record and two saves in his final season there.

Philadelphia Phillies Stint

Montague’s stint with the Phillies was short but important for his career. After they picked him up in September 1975, he made only three relief appearances.

He stayed with Philadelphia for less than two months. There wasn’t much playing time, but it set him up for his next shot in the majors.

The Phillies released Montague after the season, so he became available for other teams. That brief time in Philly really shows how quickly things can change for relief pitchers.

Seattle Mariners and Notable Achievements

The Seattle Mariners bought Montague from Philadelphia on November 6, 1976, putting him on their first-ever roster. His most memorable moment came on April 9, 1977, when he earned the first save in Seattle Mariners history.

He locked down a 5-1 win over the California Angels at the Kingdome, pitching scoreless eighth and ninth innings. He allowed just one walk, which a double play erased.

Montague’s 1977 season was his busiest as a starter. He posted an 8-12 record with 4 saves in 47 appearances. Fifteen of those games were starts, showing how flexible he could be.

His numbers dipped in 1978, when he appeared in only 19 games and went 1-3 with 2 saves. In 1979, he bounced back with a 6-4 record and 1 save in 41 games before the Mariners traded him to California.

California Angels and Final Playing Years

The California Angels traded for Montague on August 29, 1979, giving up a player to be named later. They finished the deal by sending Jim Anderson to Seattle on December 5, 1979.

Montague finished 1979 strong with the Angels. He posted a 2-0 record and 6 saves in 14 relief outings, earning a spot on the 1980 roster.

In his last MLB season in 1980, Montague pitched in 37 games, all in relief. He went 4-2 with 3 saves. His final game came on August 28, 1980, against the Baltimore Orioles, where he gave up 9 hits and 6 earned runs in 2 innings during a 13-8 loss.

Career Highlights and Milestones

John Montague’s seven-year MLB run featured some memorable achievements, including his debut with the Montreal Expos in 1973 and his role in the California Angels‘ 1979 American League West championship. Trades moved him between teams, and he found success as both a starter and reliever.

Major League Debut and Early Performance

Montague made his MLB debut on September 9, 1973, with the Montreal Expos during their first pennant race. The right-hander from Newport News appeared in four games that season, mostly in mop-up duty.

He really broke through in 1974, posting his best MLB stats. Montague kept a remarkable 1.16 ERA through June 27 and finished the season with a 3.16 ERA over 82⅔ innings. His 46 appearances ranked second on the team, just behind Chuck Taylor.

In 1975, Montague started strong, not allowing a run in his first seven games. But things went south after May 17, and his ERA shot up to 5.60 by June 1, which ended up being his last game for the Expos.

Notable Trades and Team Transitions

Montague’s career included several key moves. In April 1973, the Orioles traded him to the Expos for a player to be named later, with Mickey Scott completing the deal in April 1974.

After struggling with the Expos in 1975, the Phillies claimed him on waivers on August 29. Following a standout minor league season in 1976—he won American Association Pitcher of the Year—the Seattle Mariners bought his contract from the Phillies.

The biggest trade came on August 29, 1979, when Seattle sent him to the California Angels for Jim Anderson. That move proved huge, as Montague became a key part of the Angels’ bullpen, saving six games to help them win the American League West.

Key Pitching Records and Statistics

Montague reached several pitching milestones. With the Seattle Mariners in 1977, he notched the franchise’s first-ever save and led the team in ERA among qualifiers at 4.29.

In late July 1977, he retired 33 straight batters across two relief outings, tying an American League record held by Steve Busby. That streak showed how effective he could be as a reliever, posting a 3.32 ERA compared to 5.56 as a starter.

He also found success in the minors, leading the American Association with 14 wins in 1976 and throwing a seven-inning no-hitter on May 25, 1976, for the Oklahoma City 89ers against the Omaha Royals. Despite issuing seven walks, that game helped him earn American Association Pitcher of the Year.

Career MLB Statistics:

• Seasons: 1973-1980 (7 seasons)
• Teams: Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, California Angels
• Best ERA: 3.16 (1974 with Montreal)
• Notable Achievement: First save in Seattle Mariners history (1977)

Retirement and Legacy

John Montague wrapped up his baseball career in 1980 after a tough final season with the California Angels. That retirement closed out a seven-year MLB journey where he pitched for four teams, usually as a steady relief arm.

Final MLB Season in 1980

Montague started the 1980 season as the main reliever for the Angels. He made a strong first impression, grabbing two saves and a win in his first four games.

But things didn’t stay on track for long. His performance really dropped off as the season went on.

He put together seven straight scoreless outings in early July, which looked promising. After that, though, he just couldn’t get back on track.

In his last ten appearances, things went south fast. He gave up 26 earned runs in only 25 innings during that rough stretch.

Montague took the mound for the final time in the majors on August 28, 1980, against the Orioles. He lasted two innings, allowing nine hits and six earned runs, and didn’t record a strikeout or a walk.

The Angels let him go before spring training in 1981. The Blue Jays picked him up in March, but they released him by April 6th after he didn’t make the roster.

Impact on Teams and Baseball History

Montague left his mark on the Seattle Mariners early on. He notched the first save in franchise history during their debut 1977 season.

His best moment? In July 1977, he retired 33 batters in a row over two relief outings, tying an American League record Steve Busby had set.

Montague wrapped up his MLB career with 24 wins and 26 losses in 224 games. He suited up for the Expos, Phillies, Mariners, and Angels.

He also pitched in the playoffs, including a tough outing in Game 1 of the 1979 ALCS. In extra innings, he gave up a three-run homer to John Lowenstein, and the Angels lost to the Orioles.

Montague kept playing after MLB, heading to the Mexican League and staying on the mound until 1982.

Personal Life and Post-Baseball Years

John Evans Montague headed back to Virginia after leaving professional baseball in 1980. The Newport News native focused on family and community in his hometown during his years after baseball.

Life After Professional Baseball

Montague faded from the spotlight once his MLB run ended. He settled down in Newport News, Virginia, the same place where he was born on September 12, 1947.

He decided to keep his private life out of the public eye. Unlike other retired players, he didn’t chase coaching or broadcasting gigs.

Montague chose to retire at 33, partly because of health issues. He’d had surgery to remove a benign tumor after the 1978 season, and that probably made him think more about family and his own health than sticking around the game.

Community Involvement in Newport News

Montague stayed close to his roots in Newport News after baseball. That city meant a lot to him, both as his birthplace and the place he wanted to call home.

He kept a low profile in town. You wouldn’t spot him at autograph signings or big celebrity events like some former players.

Montague’s way of giving back matched his quiet nature. Instead of looking for recognition, he chose to help out in his hometown in quieter, more personal ways.

Family and Personal Interests

Montague has kept details about his family life and personal interests mostly to himself. After leaving professional baseball, he managed to stay out of the spotlight.

He always seemed reserved, even during his playing days. That same quiet approach stuck with him in retirement.

Montague turned down interviews and skipped public appearances that could’ve revealed more about his personal life. Growing up in Newport News, he clearly valued his privacy, so it’s no surprise that people don’t know much about his family, hobbies, or business interests.