How MLB Killed the Montreal Expos

[TMC]

The Montreal Expos at one point in time were Canada's only team. But from almost the beginning Major League Baseball wanted nothing more than to get rid of them and in 2005, they finally succeeded.

In this All Sports History video we'll look back at what happened to the Montreal Expos when MLB almost folded the team completely, before they ended up moving to Washington D.C. for good.

Here's what this "Montreal Expos History" video covers:

The Montreal Expos were the first major league baseball team in Canada, and were a huge part of the sports scene in the Quebec area. So what exactly led to the team leaving the city they called home for 35 years? In today’s video we’ll take a look back at how MLB came close to folding the team, before they ended up moving away for good.

We'll also look back at some Montreal Expos highlights throughout their history, like the Expos first game and how the team name came to be and the design of their unique & modern forward looking Expos logo. We'll cover the opening of Olympic Stadium for the 1976 Summer Olympics and how it became the Expos stadium the next year. Then we'll go through their playoff run during the split 1981 season, featuring matchups like the Montreal Expos vs Toronto Blue Jays, Montreal Expos vs Atlanta Braves, and the Montreal Expos vs LA Dodgers. Next we'll head to the 1990s, when the Expos 1994 season started off promising but was cut short due to the MLB strike.By the early 2000's, the team split time between Montreal and the Expos Puerto Rico home stadium. Finally, we'll see the impact of the Montreal Expos last game and how the team's legacy continues on to this day with the Washington Nationals donning Montreal Expos throwback jerseys.

What did you guys think of when the Montreal Expos move to Washington, and becoming the Washington Nationals? Do you think that baseball could return to Montreal in the future?

Discussing the Montreal Expos, a defunct MLB team.

In this All Sports History video, we'll take a look back to 1969 when a small baseball field in Montreal was transformed into a near 30,000 seat major league ready stadium. In today’s video, we’ll take a look back at how the Montreal Expos' desperate search for a temporary stadium, found them transforming an amateur baseball field into their home that lasted for eight seasons.

This Jarry Park and Montreal Expos Documentary includes:

When the Expos Baseball team looked at Jarry Park Montreal for a potential home, it only had 3,000 seats, but the area surrounding the stadium was largely undeveloped and could be expanded more easily and more cheaply. With mounting pressure from MLB to make a decision, the Expos chose Jarry Park baseball stadium and plans then got underway to renovate the stadium to bring it up to Major League standards. The biggest change of course was adding 25,00 seats to Jarry Park, bringing its capacity to just over 28,000. While that still made it the smallest Major League stadium at that time, it was only just 500 seats shy of Cincinnati’s Crosley Field capacity. Also, even as the league’s smallest stadium, Jarry Park still managed to draw 1.2 million people in its first year. This placed it just inside the top ten attended teams for that year, including ahead of more established clubs like the Yankees, Orioles, Giants, and Phillies.

Montreal Expos Jarry Park was of course intended to be a temporary home, until the Expos permanent home could be built. In 1970, Montreal was awarded the Summer Olympics for 1976, and part of that deal was a planned brand new stadium with a retractable roof that could host the opening and closing ceremonies. Montreal’s mayor, Jean Drapeau had also promised the Expos owner Charles Bronfman, that not only would the Olympic Stadium be the Montreal Expos' new stadium but that it also would be open by 1972. Well, as that year approached it became clear that the stadium would not in fact be opening on time, mainly due to a workers strike in 1972 that caused a massive delay in the groundbreaking for the building. This setback caused the Expos to have to get permission from MLB to stay at Jarry Park another season, and repeat this process again and again, as there were continuous delays building Olympic Stadium. It would take another five years before the new stadium was ready for the Expos to move in, and make it officially the Montreal Expos Stadium.

The Montreal Expos last game played at Jarry Park, was actually a doubleheader, and it took place on September 26, 1976. The club lost both of Montreal Expos last home game in a doubleheader to the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-1 in the first game, and 2-1 in the last game. Jarry Park witnessed memorable moments in Montreal Exposl history and full of Montreal Expos highlights, including the Expos' inaugural game and the legendary performances of players like Rusty Staub and Gary Carter. Sadly, In 2005 the Montreal Expos move to Washington D.C., and became the Washington Nationals. Fortunately, the club has continued to honor their roots over the years from time to time. For Expos baseball 50th anniversary, the Nationals wore Expos throwback uniforms and replicated Jarry Park’s scoreboard for the game against the Kansas City Royals on July 6, 2019. Although the Montreal Expos Olympic Stadium became their new home, Jarry Park remains a cherished landmark, evoking nostalgia and fond memories for baseball enthusiasts, particularly those who experienced the magic of the Expos' early years in this historic venue.

So what did you guys think of the baseball field at Jarry Park being transformed into tennis courts? Do you agree with Jarry Park’s pool being ranked number three as an all-time unique landing spot for home runs? Where would you place it? And, would you like to see Major League Baseball return to Montreal in the future, through a Montreal Expos expansion club?

On the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Expos' final game, we look back at the road that led to the relocation of Montreal's beloved baseball team.

As spring turned to summer in 1994, no ball club was hotter than the Montreal Expos. However, a late-season work stoppage kiboshed the 1994 campaign, leading to the cancellation of the World Series for the first time in nearly a century and derailing the Expos’ best chance at a title – a devastating development that ultimately marked the beginning of the end of Major League Baseball in Montreal.

It would only be appropriate that my next video be on who the Nationals originally were. The Expos were a team of second best. Always coming up short despite all the talent. And when they had the chance, a strike happened, canceling the World Series. It would be nice to see the Expos come back some day. But a lot needs to happen.

One of the Worst Trades in all of Baseball History helped lead to the Destruction of the former Montreal Expos... A trade MLB wants fans to forget, as their involvement drained a Franchise of any future for nearly a decade to come.

Exploring the infamous trade made by GM Omar Minaya that would haunt the Expos/Nationals for years.

An epic collection of video clips and sound bites from interviews, documentaries, news reports, YouTubers, TV shows and films that tell the beautiful but tragic legacy of the Montreal Expos, Canada's first MLB team, and the endless reasons for their rebirth.

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 MTL Sports History
• 05:15 Expos Intro
• 07:50 The Royals
• 10:18 Birth of the Expos
• 12:34 Logo
• 13:13 Opening Day
• 15:39 Jarry Park
• 17:59 Player Development
• 19:06 Gary Carter
• 20:46 Olympic Stadium
• 25:01 Youppi!
• 29:48 Attendance Records
• 32:37 Blue Monday
• 36:11 Carter's Final at Bat
• 38:19 1994
• 45:49 Failed Downtown Stadium
• 47:59 Relocation
• 53:44 Legacy
• 55:50 Tom Brady
• 59:15 Pre-season Games
• 1:02:43 Tampa Plan
• 1:07:45 MLB Expansion
• 1:12:59 NBA?
• 1:13:37 Ending

The Montreal Expos were a notoriously poorly run franchise with some of the worst trades in history. How bad were they? Let's take a look...

[AMackII]

If MLB were to revive the Montreal Expos, they should get the team a second chance to succeed but now it seems real impossible at the moment

[biffbronson]

Quote:

"But from almost the beginning Major League Baseball wanted nothing more than to get rid of them and in 2005, they finally succeeded."

So MLB gets the blame for the exit from Montreal. Yet one of the videos states that the Expos management was known to be "penny-pinching." And "notoriously" so. That's not a blueprint for being serious about success as a franchise.

I've never seen a post with so many embedded videos. Why not choose a couple of the better ones? I don't think even Expos fans would want to wade through so much! Unreal. TMC you are spending way too much time constructing a densely filled post, but if you're a die-hard Expos fan or just a Canadian, go for it I guess...!

[TMC]

Originally Posted by biffbronson

Quote:

"But from almost the beginning Major League Baseball wanted nothing more than to get rid of them and in 2005, they finally succeeded."

So MLB gets the blame for the exit from Montreal. Yet one of the videos states that the Expos management was known to be "penny-pinching." And "notoriously" so. That's not a blueprint for being serious about success as a franchise.

I've never seen a post with so many embedded videos. Why not choose a couple of the better ones? I don't think even Expos fans would want to wade through so much! Unreal. TMC you are spending way too much time constructing a densely filled post, but if you're a die-hard Expos fan or just a Canadian, go for it I guess...!

What video specifically stated that the Expos management was known to be "penny-pinching" in contrary to the argument that MLB from the beginning wanted nothing more than to get ride of them? Why are you demanding that I choose a couple of the "better ones" if you aren't going to agree with the content in them at the end of the day anyway? Please, define a "better video" before accusing me of spending way too much time constructing a densely filled post.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by biffbronson

Quote:

"But from almost the beginning Major League Baseball wanted nothing more than to get rid of them and in 2005, they finally succeeded."

So MLB gets the blame for the exit from Montreal. Yet one of the videos states that the Expos management was known to be "penny-pinching." And "notoriously" so. That's not a blueprint for being serious about success as a franchise.

I've never seen a post with so many embedded videos. Why not choose a couple of the better ones? I don't think even Expos fans would want to wade through so much! Unreal. TMC you are spending way too much time constructing a densely filled post, but if you're a die-hard Expos fan or just a Canadian, go for it I guess...!

And yes, MLB and to a lesser extent, Jeffrey Loria does deserve blame for why the Montreal Expos are no longer around. MLB at the very least, wanted the franchise gone as far back as 2001.

This is what Google Search's AI has to say:

Major League Baseball effectively killed the Montreal Expos by orchestrating their financial downfall, which culminated in a failed contraction plan, a poor ownership transition, a lack of a new ballpark, and ultimately the team's relocation to Washington D.C. in 2005. Key factors included a devastating 1994 strike, the sale of the team to an absentee owner who depleted assets, the failure to secure funding for a new stadium, and a general sense that MLB wanted to eliminate the team for economic reasons.

Economic Factors & MLB's Control

1994 Strike:
The strike that year canceled the World Series and significantly damaged fan interest and attendance in Montreal.

Ownership Changes:
After the 1994 strike, the team's best players were sold, and a new owner, Jeffrey Loria, took over, further diminishing the team's talent and fan support.

Contraction Plan:

In 2002, MLB attempted to contract (eliminate) two teams, and the Expos were targeted due to economic reasons, though the plan was eventually put on hold.

Stadium Issues & Relocation

Olympic Stadium:

The team played in the outdated and cavernous Olympic Stadium, which was not built for baseball, further hindering fan experience.

Failed Ballpark:

A plan for a new, modern ballpark failed due to a lack of funding from the provincial government, leaving the team without a viable stadium.

Move to Washington D.C.:

After playing a season with their home games in Puerto Rico, the Expos' financial and structural problems led to their relocation to Washington D.C. in 2005, ending the franchise's run as the Montreal Expos.

Commissioner Bud Selig was charged under the RICO Act for intentionally devaluing the Expos before their move to Washington. The reason why Major League Baseball abandoned these plans is because of the $300 million fine they would have had to pay.

[TMC]

The Chaotic Death of the Montreal Expos

The "chaotic death" of the Montreal Expos was a complex process driven by a declining Canadian dollar, which increased player salaries, and the lingering anger from the 1994 strike, which decimated attendance. A poor performance in 2004 sealed their fate, leading MLB to announce the franchise's move to Washington, D.C., for the 2005 season. The team's final home game was a loss to the Florida Marlins in September 2004, and their last-ever game was a loss to the New York Mets on October 3, 2004.

Key Factors Leading to the Expos' Demise

Economic Hardship:
The Canadian dollar's sharp decline against the U.S. dollar created a significant financial burden, as team revenues were in CAD but player salaries were in USD.

Québec Separatist Movement:
Fear of losing access to English-speaking customers in Canada and the relocation of corporations from Montreal further eroded the team's financial support.

Low Attendance:
The 1994 players' strike left a lasting negative impact on fans, resulting in significantly lower attendance for the team.

The 1994 Season:
The strike ended the 1994 season and the World Series, a time when the Expos were performing exceptionally well. This event caused widespread anger among fans and negatively affected attendance for all MLB teams.

Poor Performance:
The Expos were never able to recover from an abysmal 5–19 start to the 2004 season, finishing with the second-worst record in the National League.

• What Happened To The Montreal Expos?
  
• What would it take for Major League Baseball to return to Montreal?

[biffbronson]

Originally Posted by TMC

What video specifically stated that the Expos management was known to be "penny-pinching" in contrary to the argument that MLB from the beginning wanted nothing more than to get ride of them? Why are you demanding that I choose a couple of the "better ones" if you aren't going to agree with the content in them at the end of the day anyway? Please, define a "better video" before accusing me of spending way too much time constructing a densely filled post.

One of the videos found in this thread distinctly called Expos management "penny-pinching." And notoriously so.

I was suggesting that you choose among these videos for which is "better" so we don't have to go through how many, 7 or more? Your response to me is more hostile than mine to yours. If you feel I'm "demanding" or "accusing," you're wrong. I have never seen anything like this, where so many vids are presented at once. It's overwhelming to say the least.

Regarding the blame for the move to DC:

What was the Expos' first season, 1969? So the statement that MLB "wanted the franchise gone as far back as 2001" is not consistent with the one I quoted, "But from almost the beginning Major League Baseball wanted nothing more than to get rid of them." Over 3 decades difference.

[biffbronson]

Here is your answer TMC.

In the very first video you posted, post 1, start listening at about 8:00 and you will hear of the Expos franchise cheapness, including a "fire sale" of all of the talented 1994 players.

Starting at about 10:30, listen for this statement:
"...penny-pinching reputation was solidified."

There are numerous examples given of the cheapness of those involved. I didn't make up the word "notorious" in relation to the Expos' cheapness. It was in one of the videos. And also at the end of your 1st post is this statement:

"The Montreal Expos were a notoriously poorly run franchise with some of the worst trades in history."


I have nothing against them, I never saw their teams as a threat of any kind. But to place most of the blame on MLB for the franchise move is just wrong, and the very first video you posted -- if not others as well -- reveals a lot of problems from within the franchise. Period.

I now know more about the Expos than I ever thought I would. If they were your team TMC, I'm sorry you "lost" them so to speak. That's about all I will be commenting.

[TMC]

Why is MLB NOT discussing Montreal Expansion?

[Dude111]

They should be more careful and not do stuff like that!! (Hurt other teams,etc)

[TMC]

Netflix’s ‘Who Killed the Montreal Expos?’ documentary premieres Oct. 21

The documentary "takes a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial decisions, setbacks, and missteps that sealed the team’s fate."

[TMC]

While the Toronto Blue Jays have captured the imagination of Canadian baseball fans by progressing to this year’s American League Championship Series, another Canada-based Major League Baseball team, albeit a defunct one, is also back in the spotlight.

That team hasn’t been around in more than two decades, but Netflix is ensuring those who had fond memories of the Montreal Expos, the first MLB team based outside the United States, don’t forget.

For Expos fans, the mere mention of the Washington Nationals or watching their 2019 World Series triumph has to feel like adding insult to injury as they just completed their 21st season in D.C. That doesn’t mean there aren’t still hurt feelings about their southern departure, and Netflix tries to explore the hows and whys in its new documentary "Who Killed the Montreal Expos?" premiering Oct. 21 on the streaming platform.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by TMC

Netflix’s ‘Who Killed the Montreal Expos?’ documentary premieres Oct. 21

The documentary "takes a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial decisions, setbacks, and missteps that sealed the team’s fate."

Netflix’s ‘Who Killed the Montreal Expos?’ focuses on suspects and raw emotion

The documentary reveals why that answer is both simple and complicated.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by TMC

The Chaotic Death of the Montreal Expos

• What Happened To The Montreal Expos?
  
• What would it take for Major League Baseball to return to Montreal?

[TMC]

In 1968, Major League Baseball boldly ventured north of the 49th parallel for the first time, granting a franchise to Montreal, Quebec, as part of its four-team expansion plan.

On first glance, a frigid Francophone city may not have seemed like the most logical place for an MLB club, but Montreal actually had tremendous affinity for America’s pastime — and the city immediately came to adore its Expos, which they loving referred to as “nos amours.”

Unfortunately, however, that love affair was eventually kiboshed through a combination of economic factors, poor timing, and relentlessly cheap ownership — a cocktail of misfortunate that spelled the death of Expos and Major League Baseball in Montreal.