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Red Sox History: A look at Boston’s notable backup catchers

By Rick McNair

July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK – CIRCA 1974: Bob Montgomery #10 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees during an Major League Baseball game circa 1974 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Montgomery played for the Red Sox from 1970-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – CIRCA 1974: Bob Montgomery #10 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees during an Major League Baseball game circa 1974 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Montgomery played for the Red Sox from 1970-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Red Sox get a future broadcaster as a backup catcher

The 1960s and early 1970s were not kind to catching for the Red Sox as the names drifted through town with various levels of impact. Russ Gibson, Bob Tillman, Mike Ryan, Russ Nixon, Jerry Moses, and several others could never capture full-time jobs. That changed dramatically in 1972 with a rookie backstop – Carlton Fisk.

In 1971 the primary catching duty went to right-hand, hitting Bob Montgomery. In 1972 Monty became Fisk’s caddy for the next eight seasons. Montgomery had a few potent seasons with the bat and significantly contributed to the 1975 pennant when Fisk missed substantial time.

For trivia buffs, Montgomery was the last MLB player to bat without wearing a helmet and opting for just the protective liner. After 1979 Montgomery was done as a player but not with baseball.

A long stint as a color commentator for the Red Sox and still active today in the same capacity for minor league teams in the organization. Montgomery retired with a .258 career batting average.

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