I’m treating the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals as one continuous MLB franchise, because MLB recognizes the Nationals’ franchise history as beginning with the Expos in 1969. The franchise moved to Washington after the 2004 season. The Washington Nationals have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began not in Washington, D.C., but in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as the Montreal Expos in 1969. After 36 seasons in Montreal, the franchise moved to Washington for the 2005 season and became the Washington Nationals. Although the Nationals are a relatively young Washington club, their franchise history stretches back to 1969 and includes Hall of Famers, Cy Young winners, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, legendary trades and, finally, a World Series championship. The franchise has played under two names: Montreal Expos — 1969–2004 Washington Nationals — 2005–present MLB’s official history treats the Expos and Nationals as one franchise. The Beginning: Montreal Gets Major League Baseball Montreal was awarded a National League expansion franchise in 1968, and the Expos began play in 1969. They became the first Major League Baseball team located outside the United States. The franchise’s founding principal owner was Charles Bronfman, the Canadian businessman and Seagram executive who helped bring Major League Baseball to Montreal. The Expos played their first game on April 8, 1969, at Shea Stadium against the New York Mets and won 11–10. Six days later, Montreal hosted its first home game at Jarry Park. The early Expos struggled to win consistently, but the organization developed a remarkable collection of young talent. Franchise Ownership Montreal Expos Charles Bronfman — 1969–1991 Bronfman was the founding principal owner and the man most responsible for bringing Major League Baseball to Montreal. He remained in control of the club until 1991. He was later inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Claude Brochu — 1991–1999 Brochu led a consortium of Canadian investors that purchased the club from Bronfman. He became the Expos’ managing general partner and attempted to keep the franchise in Montreal despite serious financial and stadium problems. Jeffrey Loria — 1999–2002 Loria acquired control of the Expos in 1999. His ownership became controversial, particularly as the club struggled financially and attempts to secure a new Montreal stadium failed. Major League Baseball — 2002–2006 MLB took control of the Expos in 2002. The franchise remained under league ownership through its final Montreal seasons and its first season in Washington. Washington Nationals Ownership Major League Baseball — 2004–2006 MLB owned and operated the franchise during the transition from Montreal to Washington. Ted Lerner and the Lerner Family — 2006–2023 In July 2006, the Lerner family officially purchased the Nationals from MLB for $450 million. Ted Lerner became the managing principal owner. The Lerners oversaw the construction and opening of Nationals Park and eventually celebrated the greatest moment in franchise history: the 2019 World Series championship. Mark Lerner — 2018–present as Managing Principal Owner Ted Lerner transferred the managing principal-owner position to his son Mark Lerner in 2018, although the Lerner family has continued to own the franchise. As of 2026, the Lerner family remains the owner of the Nationals. Every Major League Home Ballpark Montreal Expos Jarry Park — 1969–1976 Jarry Park was the original home of the Montreal Expos. It was a converted minor-league facility expanded to Major League standards. It hosted the franchise’s first home game in 1969. Olympic Stadium — 1977–2004 The Expos moved into Olympic Stadium in 1977. The stadium had been built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. It remained Montreal’s primary Major League home until the franchise moved to Washington. Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico — 2003–2004 The Expos played portions of their home schedule in San Juan during their final two Montreal seasons as MLB searched for a permanent solution to the franchise’s problems. Washington Ballparks RFK Stadium — 2005–2007 When baseball returned to Washington in 2005, the Nationals initially played at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The club played three seasons there before moving into its new ballpark. Nationals Park — 2008–present Nationals Park opened on March 30, 2008. The Nationals defeated Atlanta 3–2 in the first regular-season game at the new stadium, with Ryan Zimmerman hitting a walk-off home run. Nationals Park finally gave Washington a permanent baseball-only home and became the setting for the 2019 World Series championship celebration. The Greatest Hall of Famers in Franchise History The franchise has produced or developed an extraordinary number of Hall of Fame players. Because Hall of Fame plaques are based on a player’s career and may use a different team logo, this list includes Hall of Famers who played for the Expos/Nationals franchise rather than suggesting that all entered Cooperstown representing Montreal or Washington. Gary Carter Position: Catcher Born: Culver City, California Hall of Fame: 2003 Carter became one of the greatest catchers in baseball history and remains the most iconic Hall of Famer associated with the Montreal Expos. He played for Montreal from 1974–1984 and again in 1992. Carter was a seven-time All-Star and helped the New York Mets win the 1986 World Series after leaving Montreal. Tim Raines Position: Left Field Born: Sanford, Florida Hall of Fame: 2017 Raines was one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball history. He spent the majority of his career with Montreal and became the face of the Expos during the 1980s. He was… Continue reading Washington Nationals: The Complete History of the Expos and Nationals
Tag: Lee Smith
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 15 NFL 12/17-19-20-21/2020
JETS: No longer winless beat Rams 23-20. Downside; they are now tied with Jaguars for 1st overall draft pick. Jags hold tie-breaker. PATRIOTS Eliminated from postseason contention for first time since 2008. (Longest in NFL history. Another record for the Patriots). SEAHAWKS: Clinch playoff spot. BILLS: Clinch 1st AFC East title since 1995. RAVENS: WR, Dez Bryant catches 1st TD in over three years. LIONS: Fired, Special Teams Coordinator Brayden Coombs (It has been hinted; all coaching positions will be changed). PANTHERS: Fire GM Marty Hurney. PACKERS: QB, Aaron Rodgers sets NFL record, becoming 1st QB to throw 40 TDs in 3 separate seasons NFL Discuss scheduling of 17th game next season. No vote was taken. NFL RULE CHANGE: (In reaction to Dez Bryant’s ouster minutes before KO). “If a positive test or high-risk close contact designation comes after the deadline for submitting game day inactives, a club can activate a new player up to 30 minutes before KO. Inactives are required 90 minutes before KO. The team “must place the effected player on COVID-19/reserve list”; before it can active a player priorly on inactive list or elevate a player . NFL notifies teams there will be no local playoff bubbles. 49’ERS: C, Hroniss Grasu (knee), and WR, Deebo Samuel, (hamstring), OUT. CB, Emmanuel Mosley, (hamstring), LB, Fred Warner (stringer), and CB, K’Waun Williams (ankle), are Questionable. QB, Jimmy Garoppolo unlikely to play rest of season. On IR since Nov 5, (playoff outlook slight, no use in taking a chance on him getting hurt). BEARS: “Questionable” Sunday Vs Vikings are: TE Jimmy Graham, and LB Khalil Mack Jalon Johnson (shoulder), LB “Questionable” Sunday Vs Vikings S, Deon Bush (foot), LB, James Vaughters, (knee) CB, Buster Skrine, (concussion). OUT BENGALS: DT Geno Atkins, on IR (right shoulder). He will have surgery. Moved DE Amani Bledsoe to active roster from COVID-19/reserve. QB, Austin Ekeler,(knee), no practice. QB Ryan Finley will take first reps. BILLS: S, Jaquan Johnson, (ankle), will not play Saturday Vs Broncos. TE, Lee Smith, (knee), Questionable. WO, John Brown, still on IR BRONCOS: Cancel walk through when strength and conditioning coach Loren Landow tested COVID-19 positive. Moved K, Taylor Russolino, and LB Josh Watson from practice squad. G, Graham Glasgow (foot), RB, Melvin Gordon, (shoulder), RB Phillip Lindsay, (hip), and S, Trey Marshall, (shin), listed (Questionable). BROWNS: ) QB, Baker Mayfield makes NFL history on MNF. Baker has thrown the longest pass on record. The “HAIL MARY” pass was thrown from his own 40 yard line, and bounced of the goal. Although it was an incomplete pass the throw covered a distance of over 70 yds. OUT: G, Wyatt Teller, (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: TEs David Njoku, (knee). and Austin Hooper, (neck), and CBs Denzel Ward, (calf) and Kevin Johnson (groin), TE: David Njoku, (knee) But, Coach, Kevin Stefanski, expects Ward and Hooper to play OUT: S, Andrew Sendjo suffered a concussion and is in protocol. Also out is G, Wyatt Teller, (ankle) BUCCANEERS: Kicker Ryan Succop, Punter Bradley Pinion, and Long Snapper Zach Triner, placed on COVID-19/reserve. The Bucs do not have backups on active roster They do have Kicker Greg Joseph on the practice squad. They have called in Punter Dustin Colquitt, Kicker Brett Maher, Long Snapper Garrison Sanborn for “visits”. RB Ronald Jones is scheduled to have a surgical procedure to have a pin placed in his fractured pinky finger on Tuesday. LT, Donovan Smith placed on COVID-19/reserve. Will be unavailable for Falcons game. UT, (Utility Tackle), Josh Wells, will fill in for Smith. P, Bradley Pnion, K, Ryan Succop, and Long Snapper Zach Triner, Removed from COVID-19/reserve. COLTS: P, Rigoberto Sanchez, (16 days after tumor removal surgery), has chance to play Sunday Vs Texans. DT, Deforest Buckner, (ankle), OT Anthony Castonzo (knee), Questionable. TE, Mo Alie-Cox, (knee), CARDINALS: TE, Darrell Daniels, and DE Josh Mauro, return from IR. PK, Mike Nugent moves up from practice squad. QUESTIONABLE: RB, Chase Edmonds, (ankle), and CB, Dre Kickpatrick, (hamstring), and G, Justin Pugh, (calf). OUT: K, Zane Gonzalez, (back), LB, Kylie Fitts, (hamstring), DT, Jordan Phillips, (hamstring), S, Jalen Thompson, (ankle). OUT: CHARGERS: Placed Safety Darwin James on COVID-19/reserve. WRs, Keenan Allen, (hamstring), and Mike Williams, (back), Game Time Decision TNF. RB, Austin Ekeler, (quad) expected to play. CHIEFS: OUT: RB, Darwin Thompson, (illness), LB, Damien Wilson, (knee). DOUBTFUL: T, Mike Remmers, (back, neck), QUESTIONABLE: T, Eric Fisher, (back). RB, Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a HIP/ANKLE injury Sunday. Early expectations are, he will miss rest of regular season. But, may have a chance to return for post-season games. More will be known after Monday’s MRI. COWBOYS: Owner Jerry Jones, confirms Coach Mike McCarthy will return as Coach next season. CB, Deante Burton, (shoulder), OUT Sunday. RB, Ezekiel Elliott and S, Xavier Woods (groin), CB, Rashard Robinson, (knee) “questionable”. DOLPHINS: QUESTIONABLE. WR, DeVante Parker suffered hamstring strain status TE, Mike Gesiki, Game time decision, and WRs Jakeem Grant , LBs, Jerome Baker, (knee), Elando Roberts (chest), and Kyle Van Noy,(hip), G, Ereck Flowers, (ankle), Vs Patriots, Sunday EAGLES: RT Jack Driscoll OUT for rest of season with MCL sprain. CB, Darius Slay, still on concussion protocol. CB, Avonte Maddox, (knee). QUESTIONABLE: S, Grayland Arnold, (hamstring), DT, Malik Jackson, (concussion). CB Darius Slay upgraded to Questionable. FALCONS: OUT: WR, Julio Jones (hamstring )out for second week. CBs, Ricardo Allen, (concussion), and Darqueze Dennard, (quadricep), DT, Marlon Davidson, (knee). QUESTIONABLE: are G, James Carpenter, (groin), T, Kaleb McGary , (not injury related) FOOTBALL TEAM: QB, Alex Smith (calf injury) needs rest and rehab. OUT. QB, Dwayne Haskins, will Staer. RB, Antonio Gibson, (toe injury), is “doubtful“. RB, Lamar Miller has been signed as “insurance”. OUT are, G, Cole Holcomb, (concussion), LB, Kevin Pierre-Louis (ankle). GIANTS: QB, Daniel Jones, (hamstring, ankle). “Questionable . CB, James Bradbury, placed on COVID-19/reserve; high risk contact. OUT Sunday. TE, Kaden Smith, (knee) added to injury report… Continue reading NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 15 NFL 12/17-19-20-21/2020
