Phillies dedicate no-hitter to Montgomery

ATLANTA -- The Phillies had an emotional week with news on Thursday that president David Montgomery would take a leave of absence to recover from jaw bone cancer surgery.

Montgomery is revered throughout the organization.

So it was a nice touch Monday afternoon when Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels announced the ball used to make the final out in Philadelphia's 7-0 victory in the combined no-hitter against the Braves would be dedicated to Montgomery.

"That last ball, because it is so special ... I think we are going to dedicate it to David Montgomery," Hamels said. "He's been a paramount person in the Phillies' organization. I think it's really nice to be able to give it to him because of the struggles of the organization and what David and his family have gone through. Hopefully this will be something special for this season and sum up what we've been trying to do and what he means to all of us."

Montgomery, 68, had surgery May 19 to remove cancer from his right jaw bone. He had been undergoing treatment following the surgery. Montgomery had kept a low profile since.

Montgomery has been the public face of the Phillies' ownership group since 1997, when he became president. He started in the organization in 1971, when he sold season and group tickets. He advanced to marketing director and director of sales before becoming executive vice president following the 1981 season.

He became the chief operating officer in 1992 and acquired an ownership interest in the team in '94.

Pat Gillick has assumed Montgomery's role on an interim basis.