Don't Believe What You Hear: MLB Belongs In Montreal
The Montreal Expos and their fans have dealt with a lot problems during the franchises' 33 year history. The most notable is the probability of elimination of the franchise. MLB and most media outlets probably have you thinking that the fans of Montreal have turned their back on baseball, and that they do not deserve a team. Don't believe everything you hear MLB deserves most of the blame for the state of the game in Montreal. It is the MLB and their current financial system that has turned its back on the city and the team.
History Of A Heartbreak
The city of Montreal was awarded a franchise on May 27th 1968, and was scheduled to begin playing in 1969 in the National league's Eastern Division. Before baseball could be played in Montreal a few obstacles laid in its way. The Expos had problems with impatient investors, and two of the original 7 dropped out, but local millionaire Charles Bronfman swooped down at the last minute with the necessary funds to save the day. The next obstacle was the stadium. There appeared to be no place for the new team to play, but at the last minute Jarry Park was believed to be suitable and remained the Expos' home until the Olympic Stadium opened in 1977.
Save The Expos!!!!
The fact is that there are still a number of Expos Fans out there. Despite, the overall media's awareness and coverage, Montreal does still care about baseball. These fans have been through near misses, the heartbreaks, "the wait till next year's", and the cancellation of their teams' best chance at glory. Now major league baseball is attempting to erase their team, to act as if thirty plus of baseball's years have never happened. Worst of all, with the support of the media, they shift most of the blame to the fans. However, any real baseball fan knows that the Expos should be saved, it's the game that needs fixing, getting rid of franchises is not the answer. Contraction is not good for the game, it only damages its already weak public image. Look at the Milwaukee Brewers for instance. You don't see Bug Selig trying to contract them or move them to a different city. They don't attract fans but since it's Seligs home town he doesn't think he should move them or contract them. Maybe if he smartened up and maybe cut some payroll in New York we wouldn't be having this problem.
