The highly anticipated Netflix documentary, “Who Killed the Montreal Expos?”, chronicles the heartbreaking demise of Canada’s original Major League Baseball franchise, offering fans an in-depth look at the complex factors that led to the team’s relocation and sparking renewed debate about the enduring legacy of the Expos.
For 35 years, the Montreal Expos were more than just a baseball team; they were a vibrant symbol of pride and identity for the city of Montreal. Arriving in 1969, eight years before the Toronto Blue Jays, the Expos captured the hearts of a nation, becoming the first Canadian MLB team and fostering a fervent fan base that stretched across the country. Yet, by 2004, the team played its final game at Olympic Stadium, leaving behind a void that has resonated deeply within Canadian sports.
The new Netflix documentary, “Who Killed the Montreal Expos?”, directed by Jean-François Poisson, takes an almost true-crime investigative approach to unravel the numerous theories surrounding the team’s extinction. Was it botched ownership, crippling financial issues, the notorious 1994 players’ strike, or perhaps even a bitter rivalry with their Canadian counterparts, the Blue Jays? The film seeks to answer these poignant questions, especially as the Blue Jays enjoy current success, recently reaching the World Series.
The Glory Days and the 1994 Heartbreak
The Expos were home to a “hit parade” of future greats, including Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Larry Walker, alongside stars like Vladimir Guerrero Sr., whose son is now an ALCS MVP for the Blue Jays. The team’s early years saw brilliant players like Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Steve Rogers, and Tim Wallach, inspiring a generation of Canadian baseball fans, including a young Larry Walker in British Columbia.
The pinnacle of the franchise’s on-field success came in 1994, when the Expos boasted the best record in baseball (74–40) and were poised for a World Series run. However, the infamous players’ strike brought the season to an abrupt halt, shattering the team’s momentum and the hopes of devoted fans. Sports presenter Chantal Machabée reflects in the documentary, “I can’t help but think that the strike was what pushed the Expos to the exit,” a sentiment widely shared among fans and former players, including Pedro Martinez, who expressed his sadness about Montreal not having a team to People.
The Loria-Samson Era: A “Fixer-Upper” Franchise?
The documentary dedicates significant attention to the controversial ownership period under Jeffrey Loria and his stepson, executive vice president David Samson, who bought the team in 1999. Samson famously described the Expos as “a disaster, but I didn’t care,” and a “fixer-upper franchise.” This perspective, however, sharply contrasts with the fans’ deep attachment to the team and its strong performance just years earlier.
During the Loria years, financial issues plagued the franchise, contributing to the deteriorating conditions of Olympic Stadium, where its roof notoriously dispatched water onto the field. Samson, now a podcaster, bluntly states in the film that “baseball in Montreal doesn’t work,” a remark that continues to ignite debate among the fan community. The film suggests that Loria and Samson, as “brash Americans,” failed to grasp the nuances of the Canadian market, including critical aspects like television rights, exacerbating the team’s financial struggles, as explored in a Point of View Magazine review of the documentary.
The Blue Jays’ Monopoly: A Canadian Rivalry’s Unintended Consequence
While the documentary touches on various culprits, many long-time Canadian baseball observers point to the Toronto Blue Jays as a significant factor in the Expos’ demise. Initially, Montreal President/GM John McHale had supported Toronto getting an MLB club, believing two Canadian teams would boost national interest. However, this friendly support proved to be a “death knell” for the Expos.
As the Blue Jays, owned by Labatt Breweries, rose to prominence and won back-to-back World Series in 1992 and 1993, they began to assert their exclusive broadcast rights over lucrative Ontario markets. This decision effectively “ghettoized” the Expos’ broadcast reach to Quebec and the Maritimes, severely curtailing their revenue potential. Coupled with the plunge of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, this broadcast monopoly further crippled the Montreal franchise. Today, the Blue Jays are valued by Forbes at a staggering $2.1 billion, illustrating the vast economic disparity created in Canadian baseball.
A City Remembers: The Unfilled Void and Hope for an MLB Return
Despite the various explanations for their departure, the Expos’ legacy endures. Fans continue to wear Expos hats, and the phrase “nos amours” (our loves) resonates deeply within the city. The documentary captures the raw emotion of former players like Orlando Cabrera, who speaks candidly about the team’s breakdown after 1994, and manager Felipe Alou. While Loria declined to participate, Samson’s verbose contributions provide a crucial, albeit controversial, perspective.
Poisson’s film concludes on a note of longing, reflecting the widespread hope in Montreal for the return of an MLB team. However, the path back remains uncertain, with significant challenges including the construction of a new ballpark and navigating the persistent issue of broadcast rights dominance. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder that while the Expos may be gone, the passion and the unanswered questions surrounding their disappearance continue to live on in the hearts of their devoted fans. Vive les Expos! Je me souviens.
