Many men have left their mark and continue to do so through their skills, charisma, and personality in the French championship. Like everywhere else, our baseball has its ‘stars,’ its rising and aging stars… Others come from a different galaxy. And perhaps we don’t talk about them enough. Let us introduce you to a player who combines an impressive array of essential qualities to ‘perform’ in this complex sport of ours.
Jonathan Montas is undoubtedly one of the standout figures of the past season. It’s with the Cavigals de Nice that Jonathan chose to evolve, with that passion and faith drawn from the ‘Dominican heritage’ that defines him. For those interested in this player with a discreet character and a ‘Guerrero’-like physique, what stands out above all is his presence. You quickly deduce, even before the ‘playball,’ that the Dominican isn’t there to watch the ball pass by.
Photo: Montas behind the plate.
An ideal build to hit the ball, a cannon for an arm, and legs always ready, Montas is an essential axis for the Nice lineup. Tied with Paz in the regular season in terms of hits (43) but in only 24 games against 27 for Andy, the Cavigals’ catcher defines himself as a disciplined, honest, and devoted person. He is one of those who dedicates his life to baseball. When asked, he confides: « I have always considered baseball, my first passion, as a means of achieving myself and communicating my faith in what a united team can produce, whatever happens. » He continues: « My career has been very successful thanks to the ‘Cavigal family,’ who from the first day opened their doors to me, I felt at home. » « I feel comfortable in the mission entrusted to me, and I always trust my baseball because it is the fruit of much work. »
The Cavigals, quite shaken during the championship, were able to count on Jonathan’s performances: in 23 games, the Dominican hit .478, 9 doubles (first with Ramiro La Roc.), 2 triples, and 3 HR (first with Holland Sen.). A ‘total bases’ of 65 (second to Andy Paz, 54)! A slugging percentage of .722 for a .505 on-base percentage. Not to mention his 5 stolen bases on 5 attempts. On defense, Jonathan catches and pitches. In 43.2 innings, a record of 1W-4L and a 3.71 ERA… 41K-15BB…
Jonathan, aware of the difficulties his team faces, including a lack of depth in the lineup, projects himself into the future and confides: « I see my evolution within the championship with the Cavigals very clearly. It’s an excellent team full of talented young players. I always try to do my best so that the group continues to grow. When I enter the field, I am filled with emotions and I immediately feel the adrenaline take over. I live the championship as a challenge. » _
Percussive and realistic, even injuries don’t stop the power hitter. We remember his slide into home plate at Boucan’s Field in La Rochelle against Lakemeche. Twisted finger, Emergency room… A shock for Nice, which saw its most productive player evacuated from the field.
« I did indeed get injured, a minor injury, but thank God I recovered quickly and was able to resume the games and thus finish my entire season. »
Positive at heart, the Nice ‘slugger’ confides to us: « We had a good season in 2021, I trust my team to take the ‘Crown’ in 2022 if God wills it. Every day, I try to do my best so that my career is long and full of success, but my future in baseball is decided by God. »
Montas embodies these players filled entirely by their passion. If one day the mood strikes you, go see the Cavigals. « Peloteros,’ down to their fingertips.’ Whether between the bases, behind the plate, or on the mound, Jonathan is certainly one of the most talented representatives of the ‘made in France’ championship.
Photo credit Glenn Gervot.
Vincent Picard.
