In the annals of baseball history, few tales evoke as much nostalgia and longing as that of the Montreal Expos. Once the darlings of Quebec’s sporting landscape, their departure for Washington, D.C. in 2004 left a void in the hearts of fans that still echoes today. Yet, amidst the echoes of the past, a flicker of hope remains alive. Across social media platforms, the Expos’ legacy endures, with thousands still avidly following their every move. And as former Expos player Warren Cromartie tirelessly champions the cause of bringing baseball back to Montreal, his words resonate with a blend of optimism and determination. Though the days of Expos baseball may seem like distant memories to some, the desire for a revival burns bright, a testament to the enduring spirit of a city and its unwavering love affair with the game.

On September 29, 2004, Major League Baseball dropped the bombshell: the Montreal Expos were bound for Washington, D.C. As another baseball season kicks off, enthusiasts continent-wide eagerly tune in. Yet, for some, it’s a cruel reminder, a dash of salt in a slow-healing wound, even after almost 20 long years.

While the perennial powerhouses like the Yankees and Red Sox flaunt their wealth on the diamond, MLB’s controversies pale in comparison to the NHL’s, where expansion woes and corruption seem par for the course under the Commissioner’s watch. Nonetheless, baseball fever grips many cities, with fans daring to dream of a shot at the World Series. Toques and mittens are swapped for baseball caps, while millions settle in, beverages and snacks in hand, to witness the battle for Major League Baseball supremacy.

And the pang of what might have been lingers…

Whether your memories harken back to the days of Jarry Park with Rusty Staub, the Olympic Stadium era cheering on legends like Andre Dawson and Gary Carter, or the later era boasting talents like Larry Walker and Vladimir Guerrero, the Expos are etched into your soul, their legacy omnipresent. Once an Expos fan, always an Expos fan.

Over the years, countless Expos graced the All-Star Games, leaving their mark. They were the underdogs of baseball, unable to retain their star players due to financial constraints, reminiscent of the plight of the Edmonton Oilers in hockey. Yet, they nurtured young talent, nurturing dreams of Cinderella moments. Their player development program shone brightly, with seasoned veterans guiding the rookies both on and off the field.

Though I wasn’t there for the early years, my fascination ignited in the mid-’70s, peaking during their 1981 campaign. With luminaries like Gary “The Kid” Carter, Andre “Hawk” Dawson, and Tim “Rock” Raines, backed by pitching stalwarts like Steve Rogers and Bill “Spaceman” Lee, optimism abounded. Expos fever reached a crescendo, culminating in the heartbreak of “Blue Monday,” when Rick Monday’s homer dashed our World Series hopes.

Memories flood back: Al Oliver’s batting title in ’82, Pete Rose’s stint in ’84, and the heartbreak of the ’94 strike, robbing us of a shot at glory with Felipe Alou’s stellar squad.

Yet, shadows loomed over the team’s trajectory. The ill-fated trade of Randy Johnson, the sale to local investors, and Jeffrey Loria’s tenure—all chapters in the Expos’ decline. Loria’s subsequent success with the Marlins stoked the flames of resentment among Expos faithful, sealing the team’s fate: relocation to Washington.

Despite their unfortunate demise, the Expos remain firmly entrenched in the hearts of many, a fact readily apparent with a quick glance. Over 153,000 individuals have clicked “Like” on the Expos’ Facebook page, while another 146,000 avidly follow their Twitter account, which boasts more than 51,000 loyal followers. And while optimism may be in short supply, former Expos player Warren Cromartie, a driving force in the effort to revive baseball in Montreal, shares his thoughts:

“Many things have changed [since the Expos left], and many things have changed for the better,” Cromartie said. “We understand that Montreal has a lot to prove. We are working to have the pieces in place for that to happen. We understand there are skeptics, there is caution. We also know Montreal is a good city. I want to be like Magic Johnson. I don’t want to have pockets like Magic Johnson, but I have the smile and personality of a Magic. And I believe that baseball would like to have another black owner, especially in Montreal, where Jackie Robinson started his career. It’s an ambitious project. I understand that, but it’s a long project. Washington had three chances, and they’re doing well now. They look like a playoff team. We hope that one day Major League Baseball will give us a second chance.”

Personally, I’ve drifted away from Major League Baseball since the Expos’ departure for Washington. Baseball holds little allure for me nowadays. Yet, were a team to return to Montreal, my enthusiasm would reignite, and I’d proudly pledge my allegiance. While Major League Baseball may have taken our team, they couldn’t snatch away our spirit or the cherished memories we hold dear.