Willie Montañez [mon-tha-NYES] (born April 1, 1948 in Catano, Puerto Rico) is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played with the California Angels (1966), Philadelphia Phillies (1970-75, 1982), San Francisco Giants (1975-76), Atlanta Braves (1976-77), New York Mets (1978-79), Texas Rangers (1979), San Diego Padres (1980), Montreal Expos (1980-81) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1981-82). He batted and threw left handed.

After succesive transactions between the Angels and Cardinals, Montañez came to the Phillies in 1970 as partial compensation when Curt Flood refused to report. In 1971 Montañez started in center field replacing Flood and hit a career-high 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in. He was considered in the National League Rookie of the Year vote, ending second behind Earl Williams.

In 1972 Montañez led the league batters in doubles (39), and the next season topped the outfielders in assists (22). Returning to his natural position at first base in 1973, he became an excellent fielder. Montañez led the league first basemen in assists three times (1975-76, 1978), hit over .300 in three consecutive years (1974-76), and was selected an All-Star in 1977. From 1975-78 he collected 393 RBI, including a career-high 101 in 1975.

In a 14-year career, Montañez was a .275 hitter with 139 home runs and 802 RBI in 1632 games. He was traded nine times, including the deals that involved players as Darrell Evans , Al Oliver, Bert Blyleven, John Milner (twice), and the future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry.

External links

• Baseball Reference