Hats off to Monty

Bob Montgomery with the Red Sox

Happy 81st birthday today to longtime Boston Red Sox backup catcher Bob Montgomery, the last player in the majors to hit without a batting helmet.

Montgomery’s 10-year career in Boston runs from 1970-79.

His last game comes eight years after Major League Baseball says all batters must wear protective helmets, but adds those who reach the majors prior to 1971 may continue to eschew the helmet in favor of a thin liner in their cap.

Philadelphia’s Tony Taylor is the last National League player to go helmetless before he retires after the 1976 season, leaving Montgomery as the lone holdout until his retirement in 1979.

Tony Taylor with the Phillies