Netflix Is Making A New Montreal Expos Documentary On The Loss Of Canada's First MLB Team
Netflix is taking a swing at unraveling the complex saga surrounding the Montreal Expos' departure from their home turf in Quebec. The so-far untitled documentary will revisit the heartbreak and controversy 20 years after the team's relocation, marking the first project from its creative partnership with local production company Attraction.
The documentary will explore the pivotal moments that led to one of the most talked-about relocations in Major League Baseball history, including the high-stakes disputes over stadium fees between the city and then-owner Jeffrey Loria, the controversial firing of Felipe Alou — a name synonymous with the team — and the bewildering ownership shuffle that eventually saw MLB taking over the reins and eventually move the team to Washington, renaming them the Nationals.
Directed by Jean-François Poisson and produced by Marie-Christine Pouliot and Richard Speer, the film will shed light on the story through firsthand accounts.
"The Expos were the first MLB team outside of the United States, and despite moving from Montreal, they continue to have passionate fans to this day. This film will tell the story of the team through the accounts of those who lived it," Speer said in a statement.
The announcement has ignited a wave of nostalgia among fans, showing the Expos' enduring legacy in Canadian sports culture.
"Canada’s beloved Expos. Even today if you ask around you’ll get an idea how liked the Expos were across the country," one person tweeted in response to the Netflix announcement.
The Montreal Expos were Canada's first Major League Baseball team, established in 1969 as an expansion team, and the first MLB franchise based outside the United States. The Expos played their home games at Jarry Park until moving to Olympic Stadium in 1977.
The Expos assembled a roster of serious talent. Gary Carter, a charismatic catcher known for his powerful hitting and impeccable defensive skills, became a fan favourite and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003. The team also featured Tim Raines, an outstanding left fielder whose speed and batting prowess made him one of the game's greatest base-stealers.
Major events in Expos history include hosting the 1982 All-Star Game, a momentous occasion that showcased Montreal on the baseball world stage. The 1994 season was also pivotal when the Expos led the majors with the best record before the season was cut short by a players' strike, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
The Expos, once the pride of Quebec and celebrated across Canada, left a void in Montreal's sports scene and hearts. Here's hoping Netflix knocks the retelling of their story out of the park.
