Who Killed the Montreal Expos? – A Warning for MLB Fans | Netflix Documentary Review
The Montreal Expose, a tale of baseball’s lost glory. In a thought-provoking documentary titled, Who Killed the Montreal Expose? Director Jean Francois Pasan takes us on a journey through the tragic demise of a beloved baseball team. Released on Netflix, this film serves as a timely reminder of the fragile nature of sports franchises and the impact they have on their fans. But here’s where it gets intriguing. The documentary is not your typical sports doc. It delves into the business side of baseball, exploring the intricate relationship between sports, money, and the passionate fans who dedicate their hearts to their teams. The Expo’s relocation to Washington DC in 2004 left a bitter taste for their loyal fans. They felt betrayed, believing their team had been stolen from them. While the financial viability of baseball in Montreal was questionable, the blame cannot solely rest on the fans shoulders. It was a management issue, a failure to find sustainable ways to grow the franchise. The expo’s management struggled to secure a new stadium deal, a crucial step towards financial stability. The proposed downtown Montreal stadium would have breathed new life into the team, increasing attendance and revenue. However, owner Jeffrey Lauria decided to cut ties, leaving the team’s fate in the hands of the MLB. This documentary serves as a cautionary tale with many parallels to the current MLB landscape. Just last season, a similar scenario played out with the Oakland Athletics, now playing in Sacramento. The league’s lack of intervention in ownership decisions and stadium negotiations is a recurring theme, leaving fans questioning the priorities of those in charge. And this is the part most people miss, the impact of ownership. Lauria, the former owner of the Miami Marlins, has a history of fire sales, sacrificing long-term success for short-term gains. His management style, while profitable for him, left a trail of destruction in its wake, impacting the very fabric of baseball in the 2010s. The 1994 strike, which interrupted a potentially historic expo season, serves as a warning for today. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire in 2026, owners may propose a salary cap, a move that could disproportionately affect smaller market teams. As seen with the Expose, even medium market clubs can suffer dire consequences from such decisions. So, who is to blame for the Expo’s demise? It’s a complex web of individuals and external factors that rendered the franchise unviable in Canada. Lauria, Samson, and even the MLB and Quebec’s former premiere all played their parts. But the underlying motive was always capitalistic interests. Despite the heartache, the documentary leaves us with a glimmer of hope. It showcases the enduring desire for Major League Baseball in Montreal, a city that still holds a soft spot for the game. Rating 4.1 out of five. Thoughts: What do you think about the fate of the Montreal Expose and the broader issues raised in this documentary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dive into the gripping Netflix documentary ‘Who Killed the Montreal Expos?’ directed by Jean-François Poisson. This film goes beyond baseball, exploring the business of sports and the emotional bond between fans and their teams. Discover how mismanagement, stadium disputes, and capitalistic interests led to the Expos’ relocation to Washington D.C. in 2004. Learn why this story is a timely warning for MLB fans today, with parallels to recent team relocations like the Oakland Athletics. Is history repeating itself? Find out how the Expos’ demise could impact the future of Major League Baseball. Don’t miss this eye-opening review!
Keywords: Montreal Expos, MLB, Netflix Documentary, Sports Business, Team Relocation, Baseball History, Jeffrey Loria, Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, Fan Culture
