Montreal Expos
From SoSH
| Established: | 1969 |
| Former Team Names: | None |
| Ballpark: | Jarry Park (1969-1976) Olymipic Stadium (1977-04) Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, PR (2003-2004) |
| World Series Titles: | 0 |
| Pennants: | 0 |
| Division Titles: | 2 |
| Wild Cards: | 0 |
Franchise History
In 1960, Montreal lost its International League team, the Montreal Royals (an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers). The move to get a new team for the city was led by Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau and councilman Jerry Snyder of Snowdon. They worked to create the Expos in conjunction with Montreal's 1967 World's Fair, Expo 67 (hence the team name). The first owner was Charles Bronfman of the Seagram's whiskey empire.
The Expos debuted in the Major Leagues in 1969, two years after Expo 67. This marked the first time in its history that MLB expanded outside the United States.
After years of sagging attendance, the team was bought by Major League Baseball in 2002 with the intent of eliminating the franchise together with the Minnesota Twins, reducing the number of teams in the Major Leagues. After the purchase of the Twins was blocked, the team was moved to Washington for the 2005 season and renamed the Washington Nationals.
Trivia
- Jackie Robinson played with the Montreal Royals in 1946.
- Endy Chávez was the final Expo batter in history.
- The answer to the question: That's an E and a B inside an M in the logo, standing for Montreal Expo Baseball (there is no J).
Retired Numbers
- 8 Gary Carter, C, 1974-84 & 1992
- 10 Andre Dawson, OF, 1977-86 and Rusty Staub, OF, 1969-71 & 1979
- 30 Tim Raines, OF, 1979-90 & 2001
- 42 Jackie Robinson
