Unbelievable: Ex-Expos Star Denies Comeback Role, Rejects Involvement in Montreal’s Baseball Project

Vladimir Guerrero Sr., one of the most iconic players in Montreal Expos history, has officially rejected any involvement in the ongoing project to bring Major League Baseball back to Montreal. Fans, who had long hoped that Guerrero would play a pivotal role in the revival of baseball in the city, are left disappointed by the decision of the Hall of Famer to distance himself from the project.

 

The Montreal Baseball Project

For years, the dream of seeing MLB return to Montreal has been a hot topic among both fans and sports insiders. Since the Expos’ departure in 2004, when the team moved to Washington, D.C. and became the Nationals, Montrealers have been eager to see professional baseball make a comeback. Led by a group of investors and local business figures, the Montreal Baseball Project has gained traction, with hopes of either an expansion team or the relocation of an existing franchise.

 

Bringing back a team to Montreal is no small feat, requiring new infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art ballpark, as well as securing financial commitments from stakeholders. Having an Expos legend like Guerrero involved would have been a significant boost to the effort, both in terms of fan support and overall visibility.

 

Guerrero’s Statement

Vladimir Guerrero Sr. was widely rumored to be a potential face of the project, a role many assumed he would embrace given his deep connection to the city. However, Guerrero has now made it clear that he has no interest in participating in the revival of baseball in Montreal.

In a statement, the former MVP and Hall of Famer said, “Montreal will always hold a special place in my heart. The fans were incredible to me throughout my career, and I’ll never forget my time with the Expos. But at this stage of my life, I’m focused on other things. I’ve moved on from baseball and have no plans to be involved in this project.”

 

Guerrero’s statement comes as a surprise, given that his son, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has become one of the faces of baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays, and many thought the father-son connection to Canada would spark his interest in the Montreal effort.

 

Impact on the Project

For the Montreal Baseball Project, Guerrero’s refusal to participate is undoubtedly a setback. Having a figure as beloved as Guerrero onboard would have helped build momentum and excitement for the endeavor. Guerrero was not just a star player for the Expos; he was a symbol of the team’s final years in Montreal, a connection to the city’s baseball past that could have energized the movement to bring the game back.

 

However, project leaders remain undeterred. “While we’re disappointed that Vladimir Guerrero Sr. won’t be involved, we respect his decision and thank him for everything he’s done for Montreal baseball in the past,” said a representative from the project. “The dream of bringing baseball back to Montreal is bigger than any one individual, and we will continue to work toward making that dream a reality.”

 

Fan Reactions

Fans of the Expos and Montreal baseball are naturally disappointed by the news. Many had hoped Guerrero would serve as an ambassador or even take on a more formal role within the project. On social media, reactions ranged from understanding to frustration.

 

“We love Vlad, and we get that he has his own life, but it would have been amazing to have him involved. It just feels like something is missing without him,” one fan posted on Twitter.

 

Others expressed more frustration. “If anyone should be the face of baseball coming back to Montreal, it’s Vlad. This is disappointing on so many levels,” another fan commented.

 

However, a few fans were more understanding of Guerrero’s decision. “He’s given us a lot already. Maybe it’s time to let him enjoy his retirement and his son’s success without dragging him back into the spotlight.”

 

What’s Next for Montreal Baseball?

While the loss of Guerrero is a blow to the project, efforts to bring MLB back to Montreal are still very much alive. The city remains a strong candidate for expansion, with a large fanbase eager to support a new team. Investors and city officials are continuing discussions, and with the support of Major League Baseball itself, the future of professional baseball in Montreal looks promising.

 

For now, though, fans will have to come to terms with the fact that Vladimir Guerrero Sr., one of the greatest Expos of all time, will not be part of the next chapter in Montreal’s baseball history. As the project moves forward, it will be up to the city’s leaders and supporters to carry on the mission of reviving baseball in Montreal without one of its most beloved figures.

 

Though Guerrero may not be involved, the passion for baseball in Montreal continues to burn brightly, and the dream of seeing the sport return remains alive.