The Montreal Expos, once a vibrant symbol of baseball passion in Canada, have long held a unique place in the hearts of fans and historians alike. Their story is one of hope, talent, struggle, and ultimately heartbreak. The new documentary, “Who Killed The Montreal Expos?” set to premiere on Netflix on October 21, revisits this emotional saga through the perspectives of two baseball icons connected to the franchise’s legacy—Pedro Martínez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This film offers an in-depth exploration of what led to the demise of a team that captivated a city for 35 years, only to vanish from its landscape, leaving behind a trail of questions, memories, and what-ifs.
Pedro Martínez, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, began his major league career with the Expos in the mid-1990s. His rise from a raw talent to a Hall of Famer embodies the promise and potential that the franchise once held. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., on the other hand, represents the modern connection to Montreal’s baseball heritage. His father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., was a legendary figure for the Expos and later a star with the Angels, making the younger Guerrero’s story a living link between the team’s past glory and the present. Together, these two players provide a compelling narrative framework for the documentary, grounding the exploration of the Expos’ fate in personal experience, skill, and cultural significance.
The Expos were established in 1969 as the first Major League Baseball team based outside the United States. Their arrival was a moment of immense pride for Montreal and Canada as a whole. Baseball, with its rich history and cultural significance, found a fresh home north of the border. The team was named after Expo 67, the World’s Fair held in Montreal just two years earlier, symbolizing a spirit of innovation, internationalism, and optimism. Over the next three and a half decades, the Expos cultivated a passionate fan base, with memorable players and moments that etched themselves into baseball lore. But beneath the surface of this enthusiasm, the franchise faced mounting challenges that would eventually seal its fate.
One of the central issues was financial instability. Unlike other MLB teams situated in major American cities with deep pockets and expansive media markets, the Expos struggled to generate enough revenue to remain competitive. Montreal, despite being a vibrant cultural hub, could not provide the same economic support. Attendance fluctuated dramatically, especially in the 1990s, as the team battled inconsistent performance and shifting fan interest. The ownership changes that marked the Expos’ later years further complicated matters, as no single group was able to establish a long-term vision or secure the investments necessary to keep the team afloat.
The 1994 season was a particularly cruel chapter in the team’s history. The Expos were leading their division, poised for a playoff run, and perhaps the first World Series appearance for the franchise. Pedro Martínez was at the peak of his early career, dazzling hitters and embodying hope for Montreal baseball fans. However, the MLB strike abruptly ended the season, dashing any chance for the Expos to capitalize on their momentum. This disruption not only affected that year’s campaign but also had lasting repercussions for the franchise’s financial health and fan engagement. It marked the beginning of a slow, painful decline.
The documentary delves into the intricate web of factors that contributed to the Expos’ downfall. It examines the lack of a new stadium, a persistent issue that left the team playing in Olympic Stadium, an aging and often criticized venue that lacked the charm and atmosphere of more modern ballparks. The stadium was expensive to maintain and did little to attract consistent crowds. The city’s inability to secure funding or political support for a new facility symbolized the waning enthusiasm and investment in the team. For fans, this was a daily reminder of the disconnect between the team’s potential and its reality.
Ownership turmoil is another critical theme explored in the film. The team passed through several hands in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including a period under MLB’s direct control. This instability hampered long-term planning, disrupted player development, and sent mixed signals to fans and sponsors. The league’s ownership was viewed by many as a holding pattern rather than a commitment to the franchise’s future, fueling speculation about relocation. The financial challenges became more acute, and the team’s on-field performance suffered, creating a vicious cycle that further alienated the fan base.
Pedro Martínez’s reflections in the documentary reveal the emotional toll these developments had on players who loved the city and the team. For Martínez, Montreal was a place where his talent blossomed, and the community embraced him as more than just an athlete. He speaks candidly about the disappointment of seeing a franchise with so much potential fail to thrive due to factors beyond the players’ control. His journey from Montreal to becoming a baseball legend underscores the missed opportunities and lingering sadness for what the Expos might have become.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s involvement in the film brings a contemporary perspective. As the son of an Expos legend, his career carries the weight of family legacy and cultural pride. His connection to Montreal is personal and symbolic. Through his eyes, viewers see how the loss of the Expos left a void not just in the city’s sports landscape but in its identity. Guerrero Jr. represents hope for baseball in Montreal, sparking conversations about the possibility of a team returning one day. His presence in the documentary serves as a bridge between past heartbreak and future dreams.
“Who Killed The Montreal Expos?” also investigates the broader socio-political context surrounding the franchise’s demise. It highlights how economic realities, media market limitations, and political reluctance combined to create an environment hostile to sustaining the team. The film suggests that the Expos were not just victims of isolated decisions but were caught in systemic challenges faced by smaller-market teams in a league increasingly driven by big-city revenues and corporate interests.
Fans’ perspectives are interwoven throughout the documentary, providing a deeply human dimension to the story. Longtime supporters recount the joy of attending games, the thrill of witnessing young stars rise, and the pain of gradually losing their team. Their stories emphasize that the Expos were more than just a sports franchise; they were a community anchor, a source of local pride, and a shared experience that transcended generations. The sense of loss they express resonates with anyone who has ever felt a deep connection to a sports team that suddenly disappears.
The documentary does not shy away from the tough questions and controversies. It scrutinizes the role of MLB commissioners, local government officials, and ownership groups, asking whether more could have been done to save the Expos. The title itself—”Who Killed The Montreal Expos?”—is provocative, inviting viewers to consider responsibility from multiple angles rather than assigning blame to a single actor. It encourages a nuanced understanding of how complex and interrelated the causes were.
Importantly, the film also celebrates the enduring legacy of the Expos. It showcases the team’s contributions to baseball history, from the emergence of future Hall of Famers to the passionate fan culture that flourished in Montreal. It acknowledges the franchise’s unique place as a pioneering international team in Major League Baseball and the inspiration it provided to countless young athletes, especially in Canada and Latin America.
As the documentary nears its conclusion, it turns toward the future. There is an undercurrent of hope, reflected in the growing momentum behind efforts to bring MLB back to Montreal. The presence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. symbolizes this hope, suggesting that while the original Expos may be gone, their spirit and influence remain alive. The film prompts viewers to consider what a rebirth might look like and what lessons the city and league have learned from the past.
The release of “Who Killed The Montreal Expos?” comes at a time when nostalgia for the team is strong, and discussions about expanding Major League Baseball into new markets, including Montreal, are gaining traction. By combining historical analysis, personal stories, and cultural insights, the documentary serves as both a tribute and a cautionary tale. It reminds audiences of the fragile nature of sports franchises and the powerful emotional connections they foster.
For anyone who remembers the crack of the bat at Jarry Park or the roar of the crowd in Olympic Stadium, this documentary offers a poignant reflection on what was lost and what might still be possible. For newer generations, it provides a window into a fascinating chapter of baseball history and an invitation to join in the ongoing conversation about the future of the sport in Canada.
In sum, “Who Killed The Montreal Expos?” is more than just a recounting of a team’s final days. It is an exploration of identity, community, and the business of sports, told through the voices of those who lived it and those who carry its legacy forward. Pedro Martínez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchor this story with authenticity and passion, making it a must-watch for baseball fans and anyone interested in the complex dynamics that shape professional sports. As the documentary hits Netflix, it rekindles the memories, sparks debate, and perhaps, lights a new fire for baseball in Montreal.
