Brookdale Alum Named Among Shore’s All-Time Baseball Greats

Two standout names from Brookdale Community College are once again earning recognition on one of the region’s biggest stages.

Former Brookdale baseball player John Montefusco, known as “The Count,” has been named in the Asbury Park Press top ten List: Shore and Central Jersey’s all-time best baseball players celebrating the area’s rich athletic history.

Montefusco’s journey to baseball excellence began at Middletown High School, but it was at Brookdale where he refined his game and emerged as a dominant pitcher. That development proved pivotal. After advancing through the minor leagues, he made his Major League debut in 1974. Just one year later, he was named National League Rookie of the Year after posting a 15–9 record with a 2.88 ERA.

Over a 13-year Major League career, Montefusco recorded 90 wins and more than 1,000 strikeouts. Among his career highlights was a no-hitter for the San Francisco Giants in 1976, a milestone that cemented his place in baseball history.

Also making the considered list is Brookdale standout Jim Hunter, who was a dominant force on the mound, leading Middletown North to its only Shore Conference Tournament championship before earning JUCO All-American honors at Brookdale. A first-round pick in the 1985 MLB Draft, he went on to reach the Major Leagues, making appearances with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Montefusco’s and Hunter’s recognition not only celebrates their individual achievements but also underscores Brookdale’s long-standing impact on the sport. Over the years, Brookdale alumni have advanced to the highest levels of baseball, building a legacy of excellence that continues to this day. Alex Unger recently made his mark with the Jersey Blues during the 2021–22 season and is now headed to the professional ranks after signing with the Chicago White Sox, highlighting the college’s ongoing role in developing talent for the next level.

As the Shore area reflects on its baseball greats, Brookdale continues to serve as a launching pad for extraordinary careers where dedication, development, and opportunity come together to shape the next generation of athletes.

The reference for this article is from the Asbury Park Press: List: Shore and Central Jersey’s all-time best baseball players
Author: Steven Falk, Asbury Park Press