Washington Nationals

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1969

  • Original Name/City: Montreal Expos

  • Current Ballpark: Nationals Park

  • World Series Titles: 1 (2019)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Nats

A History of the Washington Nationals

The story of the Washington Nationals begins in Canada. The franchise was founded in 1969 as the Montreal Expos, the first Major League Baseball team based outside the United States. Playing their home games at Jarry Park and later the massive Olympic Stadium, the Expos were known for their unique, trilingual culture and passionate fanbase.

The team's best years in Montreal came in the early 1980s, with a roster full of exciting young talent like Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, and Tim Raines. The 1994 team was arguably the best in baseball before the season was cut short by a players' strike, robbing the city of its best chance at a title.

After years of declining attendance and financial struggles in Montreal, MLB purchased the team and, in 2005, officially relocated the franchise to Washington, D.C., where they were rebranded as the Nationals. The team's first years in the nation's capital were difficult, but the organization built a consistent winner through the draft, selecting cornerstone players like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.

After several years of frustrating postseason exits, the Nationals finally broke through in spectacular fashion in 2019. As a Wild Card team that had started the season with a 19-31 record, they adopted the slogan "Stay in the Fight." They went on an improbable run, winning five elimination games in the postseason. They defeated the Houston Astros in a seven-game thriller to win the first World Series in franchise history, bringing a championship to Washington D.C. for the first time since 1924.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1969: Founded as the Montreal Expos, an expansion team in the National League.

  • 1977: Moved into Olympic Stadium.

  • 2005: Relocated to Washington, D.C. and renamed the Washington Nationals.

  • 2008: Moved into their current home, Nationals Park.

  • 2019: Won their first World Series.

Legendary Players

Gary Carter (1974-1984, 1992)

  • "The Kid" was the first true superstar for the Montreal Expos. A Hall of Fame catcher, he was beloved for his talent, enthusiasm, and leadership. He was the heart and soul of the successful Expos teams of the early 1980s.

Andre Dawson (1976-1986)

  • "The Hawk" was a thrilling five-tool superstar for the Expos. The 1977 NL Rookie of the Year was a dynamic blend of power and speed, winning six Gold Gloves in Montreal. He was one of the most exciting and feared players of his era.

Ryan Zimmerman (2005-2021)

  • Ryan "Mr. National” Zimmerman was the first player ever drafted by the team after its move to Washington. He became the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, known for his clutch hitting and steady leadership. He ended his career as a member of the 2019 World Series championship team.

Max Scherzer (2015-2021)

  • The fiery and intimidating ace of the Nationals' best years, "Mad Max" won back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2016 and 2017 and threw two no-hitters in a Washington uniform. His incredible guts and talent were instrumental in their 2019 World Series victory.