[1] Tamargo was drafted out of Tampa Catholic High School by the New York Yankees in 1969, but did not sign, choosing instead to attend Georgia Southern University.

In July, 1978, San Francisco Giants catcher Mike Sadek was injured, and they acquired Tamargo from the Cardinals as a replacement.

He was initially assigned to the minor league Denver Bears, but returned to the majors in August, but appeared in just 12 games over the remainder of the season.

Serving as backup to future Hall of Famer Gary Carter, he appeared in 37 games, batting .275.

[3] During the 2010 season, his son John Jr. served as hitting coach of the Lansing Lugnuts, which played in the same league.