New Documentary Explores the Mystery Behind Montreal Expos’ Demise

Montreal, Canada – The Montreal Expos, once a beloved Major League Baseball team, vanished in 2004 when they relocated to Washington D.C. and became the Nationals. A new Netflix documentary titled Who Killed the Montreal Expos?, directed by Jean-François Poisson, explores the reasons behind the franchise’s demise.

The film recounts the team’s storied history, showcasing legendary players including Vladimir Guerrero, Andre Dawson, and Pedro Martinez. Despite their talented rosters, the Expos struggled financially and ultimately ceased operations. Poisson’s documentary suggests that the city’s chaotic political climate, not just external factors, played a significant role in the team’s downfall.

When the Expos were established in 1969, Montreal was filled with optimism after hosting Expo 67. The team’s early seasons at Jarry Park were popular among fans, who embraced baseball with enthusiasm, especially given the city’s French-speaking roots. However, political upheaval in October 1970, marked by the kidnapping of Pierre Laporte and the imposition of the War Measures Act, led to an exodus of anglo businesses from Quebec.

The team found brief success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, boasting a strong lineup and making a playoff run in 1981. However, mismanagement by owners and ongoing political issues plagued the organization. Attendance dwindled as the team’s performance suffered, culminating in a devastating players’ strike in 1994 that canceled the season just as the Expos boasted baseball’s best record.

In 1991, owner Charles Bronfman sold the team, and it changed hands several times without significant investment. By the time Jeffrey Loria acquired the team, the Expos were on a steep decline, and in 2004, Major League Baseball relocated them to Washington.

Poisson’s documentary aims to shed light on the complexities of the Expos’ story, providing insights into the societal and political forces that ultimately led to the franchise’s end. As fans mourn the loss of ‘Nos Amours’, the film encapsulates a vital piece of Quebec’s sports history that still resonates with many.

“If the fans were given a competitive team, they came,” Poisson noted. “The issue was the city itself could not support a Major League franchise in those turbulent times.”