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Phillies giving Montgomery game ball from no-hitter

David Montgomery, the team’s ailing general partner, president and chief executive officer, recently took a leave of absence.

Phillies president David Montgomery. (Gene J. Puskar/AP file photo)
Phillies president David Montgomery. (Gene J. Puskar/AP file photo)Read more

ATLANTA - The ninth pitch Jonathan Papelbon threw yesterday afternoon landed in first baseman Darin Ruf's glove at 4:22 p.m.

The line-drive out was the final out of the Phillies' combined no-hitter on Labor Day. But since four different pitchers played a part - and catcher Carlos Ruiz, and the hitters who helped supply the rare run support for Cole Hamels - it was worth wondering just who would get the game ball.

So, where is it going, Cole?

"That last ball, because it is so special, I think we are going to dedicate it to David Montgomery," said Hamels, who threw the first six of nine no-hit innings.

Montgomery, the Phillies general partner, president and chief executive officer since 1997, took a medical leave of absence on Thursday. The 68-year-old Montgomery was hospitalized in May after undergoing a surgical procedure to remove cancer from his right jaw bone.

"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," Hamels continued. "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. We can give it to somebody who is around and for the city of Philadelphia and fans to see and to cherish."

- Ryan Lawrence