The most senior active umpire in the major leagues at the time of his retirement, he wore uniform number 11 throughout his career.

His 4,369 total games ranked eighth in major league history when he retired, and he is one of only three umpires to serve as crew chief for the World Series four times.

In 2004, he became the first umpire to work behind the plate for the entire All-Star Game and serve as crew chief in the World Series in the same season.

He became an NL crew chief in 1996 after the death of longtime umpire John McSherry on Opening Day at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.

[1] On May 28, 2006, Montague was umpiring second base when Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time list.