On December 2, 1967, Gerry Snyder presented a bid for a Montreal franchise to Major League Baseball's team owners at their winter meetings in Mexico City.
On May 27, 1968, O'Malley announced that franchises were being awarded to Montreal and San Diego, beginning play the following year (1969).
Many names were suggested by Montrealers (including the "Voyageurs" and in a coincidental twist, the "Nationals" — now used by the team in its new home in Washington, D.C.) but there was a clear winner.
That minor league franchise won the PCL title in 1937, led by then-18-year-old San Diego native Ted Williams.
Entering Major League Baseball as an expansion franchise in 1969, the club was founded by Ewing Kauffman, a Kansas City businessman.
a The Expos acquired Bobby Wine as compensation after Larry Jackson decided to retire rather than report to Montreal.
He was traded to the Royals on April 1, 1969. e Jesus Alou, Jack Billingham and Skip Guinn never played for the Expos.