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.