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Montreal Expos became an Expansion Franchise
The National League awarded two new franchises, one to the city of San Diego and one to Montreal. Montreal, the site of the 1967 World's Fair named Expo 67, named their new baseball team the Expos. The Expos were the first Major League team to be located outside of the United States. Photo from http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/history/timeline.jsp -
Montreal won their First Division Title
After many disappointing seasons, Montreal won their first National League East division title in 1981 with a record of 60-48. The memorable season was split by a Major League Baseball strike from early June to mid-August. Logo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Montreal_Expos_Logo.svg -
Expos sold to Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball bought the Expos from Jeffrey Loria for 120 million dollars after the team had many losing seasons and failed to fund a new stadium. MLB appointed Frank Robinson, a former MVP himself, to the role of field manager. MLB logo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball -
Expos moved to Washington DC
The Expos moved to Washington DC for the 2005 season and became the Washington Nationals. Washington had been without a team for 34 years since the Washington Senators moved to Texas. They finished their first season with a .500 record. Logo from http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=was -
Ryan Zimmerman drafted in the First Round
Ryan Zimmerman, a top rookie, from the University of Virginia,was drafted. He quickly moved up to the Majors during September of 2005. Playing 3rd base, Zimmerman led the team in RBI's at 110 and hit 20 home runs during his first full season as a Major League player. Photo from http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/ryan-zimmerman-cleared-to-throw-and-swing-is-working-on-outfield/ -
MLB found a buyer for the Nationals
The Lerner Enterprise Group, led by Ted Lerner, outbid two competitors to purchase the Nationals team for 450 million dollars. Stan Kasten, former President of the Atlanta Braves during their previous 14 winning seasons, was hired as Team President and Mike Rizzo as VP of Baseball Operations. Photo from http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/2/lerners-nationals-vision-becoming-reality-nl-east/ -
Nationals Park opened
A 41,546 seat stadium opened along the Anacostia River as the new home for the Washington Nationals. With panoramic views of the Nation's Capital, including the US Capitol and the Washington Monument, the park cost about 611 million dollars to build. -
Stephen Strasburg signed
After two straight 100 + loss seasons, the Nationals drafted Stephen Strasburg in the first round of the MLB draft. The Nationals hoped that Strasburg, a right handed pitcher, would be the catalyst to change the losing franchise to a winning one. The Nationals finished the 2009 season with a 59-103 record. Photo from http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/stephen-strasburg-injury-update-fantasy-back-strain-scratched-clayton-kershaw-nationals-la-dodgers/1s86szfi6d349zyz25y5mbo9o -
Strasburg debuted and Nationals signed Bryce Harper
The Nationals signed Bryce Harper, a #1 first round draft pick who was featured on Sports Illustrated's cover as a sophomore in high school. The next day Stephen Strasburg debuted to a sold-out crowd at Nats Park. In August Strasburg tears a ligament in his elbow requiring Tommy John surgery and a long rehab. Photo from http://www.federalbaseball.com/2015/11/11/9715592/can-the-nationals-sign-bryce-harper-to-a-long-term-deal-before--free-agency -
Nationals won the National League East Division title
For the first time since moving from Montreal to DC the Nats won a Division Title. Bryce Harper, called up from the minors in April, was named Rookie of the Year. The Nats posted the best record in all of baseball at 98-64. The post-season abruptly ended at home with a loss to the St Louis Cardinals contending for the NLCS title. Photo from http://districtsportspage.com/washington-nationals-nlds-game-4-review-werths-walk-off-homer-beats-cardinals-2-1-forces-game-5/ -
Nationals won their 2nd National League East Division title
The Nationals had the best record in all of baseball at 96-66. They lost in the National League Division Series to the San Francisco Giants who went on to win the World Series. Their manager, Matt Williams, was awarded National League Manager of the Year. Photo from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/washington-nationals-clinch-nl-east-title-with-3-0-victory-over-the-atlanta-braves/2014/09/16/a1c23de4-3df1-11e4-b03f-de718edeb92f_story.html -
Bryce Harper dominated the 2015 Season
Bryce Harper, the Nat's right fielder, was named the National League's Most Valuable player in 2015. At 22, he was the youngest player to win the honor unanimously and the third-youngest to have ever won. Batting at .330 for the season with 42 home runs, 99 RBI's and 118 runs, Harper was also given the Hank Aaron Award and a Silver Slugger Award. The team finished at 83-79. Photo from http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/washington-nationals/bryce-harper-named-nl-mvp-after-historic-season
