Major League Baseball to Return to the Capitol City

September 29, 2004

Major League Baseball to Return to the Capitol City
September 29, 2004 – Major League Baseball announced today that Washington, D.C., will be the new home of the Montreal Expos. This will be the first time in 33 years that Major League Baseball will be in the Capitol City.

According to the Associated Press, the announcement comes just one day before the 33rd anniversary of the Washington Senators’ final game. The Senators moved to Texas, where they were renamed the Rangers, after the 1971 season. That was also the last time a major league team changed cities.

The League has been looking for a new home for the Expos since the other 29 major league owners bought the financially troubled team in 2002. The Expos will go to Washington on a conditional basis, pending approval of stadium funding by the City Council and various other logistical issues.

Sports Illustrated reports that plans call for a $440 million package that would include a new ballpark along the Anacostia River. The package also includes a $13 million refurbishment of RFK Stadium, where the team would play for three seasons while the new facility is being built.