Boots Day Remembers Montreal Expos, MLB’s Team North of the Border
Updated June 02, 2025
Charles Frederick “Boots” Day, a former player, holds fond memories of his time with the Montreal Expos.Day, now 77, retired from professional baseball in 2021 after a career spanning 55 years, including a stint as bench coach for the Evansville Otters.
Day’s baseball journey began in 1965 with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, it’s his 449 games in an Expos uniform that truly stand out. He isn’t alone in missing Montreal’s team, especially after its relocation to Washington, D.C., two decades ago.
“It was a punch in the gut,” Day said, recalling his decade in Montreal. “I loved the city. The fans were great, and we had a quaint ballpark [Jarry Park].”
Despite the passage of time, Montreal remains without a new stadium deal or a clear path to securing an ownership group capable of funding an expansion club. The Expos’ financial struggles, including a $43.2 million payroll in 2004, led to MLB taking over ownership and playing some “home games” in Puerto Rico.
Washington, D.C.,emerged as the team’s new home,becoming the Washington Nationals in 2005. The city has a complex baseball history, having lost two previous franchises. The Nationals’ success, including a 2019 World Series win and consistent fan attendance, underscores the economic factors that contributed to the Expos’ demise.
Day remembers teammates Ron Fairly, Bob Bailey and Rusty Staub, fondly recalling Staub’s nickname, ”le Grand Orange.” Despite not speaking French, Day enjoyed his time in Montreal, even though he didn’t save any memorabilia.
Franchise relocations are challenging for sports leagues, potentially undermining fan confidence. Othre notable moves include the Dodgers and Giants leaving New York in 1958, and the Braves’ multiple relocations. The Baltimore Orioles were once the St. Louis browns, and the Seattle Pilots became the Milwaukee Brewers after just one season.
Ultimately, the montreal Expos made a lasting contribution to MLB history, leaving behind a legacy that is gone but not forgotten.
What’s next
While Montreal’s future in Major League Baseball remains uncertain, the city’s passionate baseball fans continue to hope for the return of a team to call their own.
