Jean-François Poisson’s Netflix documentary, “Who Killed the Montreal Expos?”, delves into the rise and fall of Canada’s first major league baseball team, exploring the various factors that ultimately led to its demise. The film presents a nostalgic examination of the Expos, a team boasting an all-time lineup filled with Hall of Famers, including Larry Walker, Vladimir Guerrero, Andre Dawson, and Tim Raines. Pedro Martinez’s prowess on the mound paired with Gary Carter’s skills behind the plate further underscores the high-caliber talent that graced the team throughout its history.
Founded in 1969 amidst a wave of optimism following the success of Expo 67, the Expos quickly became a beloved part of Montreal’s cultural landscape. However, difficult political and economic circumstances began to overshadow the franchise. Key events, such as the kidnapping and murder of Quebec’s deputy premier, Pierre Laporte, in October 1970, led to social turmoil and an exodus of English-speaking residents. The subsequent rise of the sovereigntist Parti Québécois further complicated the landscape, while the introduction of Olympic Stadium, marred by financial troubles and structural issues, proved unsuitable for baseball.
Despite these challenges, the late 1970s and early 1980s heralded a golden era for the Expos, as they developed a talented roster that drew impressive crowds. However, the team’s success proved fleeting, with key players traded away and mismanagement setting the stage for decline. A combination of unfortunate events, including the cancellation of the 1994 season due to a players’ strike and later management by Jeffrey Loria, compounded by economic woes in Quebec, ultimately led to the team’s relocation to Washington, D.C. in 2004, where it was transformed into the Nationals.
Poisson’s documentary suggests that the downfall of the Expos was not merely the result of poor ownership or market misjudgment, but rather reflects the broader struggles of Quebec society during that time. The narrative points to a lack of stability and confidence within the region, which ultimately hindered the franchise’s ability to flourish.
Today, the prospect of Major League Baseball returning to Montreal seems more promising. With the city emerging from years of tumult with a renewed sense of identity and pride, fans may once again be ready to embrace their passion for baseball and revive their fond memories of the Expos. The documentary not only serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost but also offers hope for a potential resurgence of professional baseball in Montreal.