In 10 MLB seasons, Bateman compiled a .230 lifetime batting average; he ended his big league career with the Phillies.

While in the big leagues, he managed only a .197 batting average, with seven home runs — and spending only 39 games behind the dish — while backing up starting catcher Ron Brand.

Bateman batted sixth in the inaugural game versus the New York Mets on April 8, 1969, going 1-for-5 in the 11-10 win.

[3] As he had with Houston, Bateman also caught the Expos' first no-hitter: the first of Bill Stoneman's two, on April 17, 1969 against the Philadelphia Phillies, in only the ninth game in the franchise's history.

Bateman was friendly with the Montreal police, and on November 6, the hiding place of one of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) terrorist cells was discovered.

Expos manager Gene Mauch was watching coverage of the events with his staff, and was not amused to see Bateman's bulky frame coming out of the hiding place on national television.