"Montefusco began the season as the Padres' #2 starter after signing with San Diego as a free agent on February 22, just prior to spring training. His 32 starts in 1982 were second on the club to Tim Lollar's 34. He finished as the National League's sixth best control pitcher, allowing an average of two walks per nine innings.'
On May 13, Montefusco was 1-4, 4.98 and had allowed 17 walks in 47 innings, an average of 3.2 walks per nine innings. 'The Count' then began throwing strikes and won his next six decisions, including four straight starts from June 1-19. He was 9-7, 3.68 the rest of the season, giving up 24 walks in 137 innings, an average of 1.6 per nine innings, and allowed three or less in 25 of his 32 starts.
In 1981 Montefusco was used sparingly by Atlanta, pitching in 26 games and starting only nine times, compiling a 2-3, 3.51 record.
He was with the Giants from 1974-80 where he compiled a 59-62 mark. His best years were 1975 (15-9, 2.88) and 1976 (16-14, 2.85). On September 29, 1976 he pitched a 9-0 no-hitter against the Braves, missing a perfect game by the margin of a fourth-inning walk to Jerry Royster.
Montefusco hit a home run in his first at-bat in the majors on September 3, 1974 just hours after getting off the plane from Phoenix after his recall by the Giants. He entered the game in the first inning in relief of starter Ron Bryant with no out and the bases loaded. John finished the game allowing six hits and one run to get credit for the 9-5 win, his first in the majors.
Montefusco was named National League Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA in 1975 and National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year by the Sporting News when he recorded 215 strikeouts, the most by a NL Rookie since 1911. In 1976 he tied for the NL lead in shutouts with six. John was traded to Atlanta with outfielder Craig Landis for pitcher Doyle Alexander in December of 1980.
Montefusco was a shortstop at Township High in Middletown, New Jersey until his senior year when he switched to pitching. He began his pro career with Decatur (Midwest League) and ended his first pro year with a 9-2 mark. In 1974 the Count tied a Pacific Coast League record set in 1910 by striking out eight straight batters in one game. With Amarillo of the Texas League that same year he led the circuit with four shutouts and tied for the PCL lead with three after his promotion during that season."
-1983 San Diego Padres Media Guide
John Joseph Montefusco (P) "The Count" #24
Born May 25, 1950, in Keansburg, New Jersey, resides in Half Moon Bay, California. Height: 6-1, weight: 180. Bats right, throws right.
Married (Dory).
-1983 San Diego Padres Media Guide
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