Montague saved the expansion Mariners' first-ever victory, on April 9, 1977. Over
two relief appearances that July, he tied an AL record by retiring 33 consecutive
batters. He was sidelined with hip pain in 1978; a benign tumor was found and removed
after the season. In his first 10 days after being acquired by the Angels in late
August 1979, Montague won two games and saved five, playing a key role in California's
division title.
(NLM)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 24, 1977: Seattle's John Montague pitches six 2/3 innings of perfect relief against California, giving him 33 consecutive batsmen retired over two games to tie the American League record. But California wins, 3–1.