There is a movement in Montreal to secure a Major League Baseball franchise for the city, however, some people feel the city doesn’t deserve a second chance at professional baseball. I say, it does.

First, there is precedent with other cities who have lost major sports franchises and have had second opportunities. In fact, the Expos were moved from Montreal to Washington, D.C., in 2005, becoming the third team to call the U.S. Capitol its home. The D.C. area had lost the Washington Senators, twice in the past; the first time moving to Minnesota (1961) and the second time moving to Texas (1972).

Kansas City is currently home to its second MLB team, and was the brief home of the most well-traveled team in MLB history; the Athletics, who moved from Philadelphia to K.C. in 1955, and then moved to Oakland in 1968. I shouldn’t even have to mention the fact that the largest city in the United States has twice lost MLB teams; the Dodgers and the Giants who both left New York City for the West Coast.

Atlanta had two tries with National Hockey League teams, Winnipeg is on its second NHL team, and so is Denver. The city of Charlotte, N.C., is on its second shot at the NBA, while St. Louis has twice lost NFL franchises.

So, there’s nothing wrong with trying again in Montreal, especially since it wasn’t an attendance issue that drove baseball out the first time. With over 4 million people in the Montreal area, larger than any U.S. city interested in a MLB team, they will have no problem in supporting a team, especially if they have a good product on the field.

When they Expos were good in the 1980s and 1990s, they drew an average attendance of over 18,000 in 16 out of 19 seasons (1979-1997). During that same stretch the New York Mets averaged more than 18,000 only 13 times, and they had the help of winning a World Series in 1986. Plus, New York is the largest metro area in the U.S.

The Cubs never averaged more than 20,500 until after they were in the NLCS in 1984, and Chicago is the third largest metro area in the United States. The White Sox averaged over 18,000 only 13 times between 1979-1997, and that was boosted by going to the ALCS twice during that period

The bottom line is this – when the Expos were forced to leave Montreal, it wasn’t because of an attendance issue. It was a failed ownership group led by Claude Brochu who sold the team to New York businessman Jeffrey Loria, who then threatened to move the team if he didn’t get a new stadium. The Province of Quebec said “no” to a new stadium, and Loria moved the team to D.C.

There is now have a stronger ownership group in place in Montreal, and Quebec has agreed to use some tax dollars to build a stadium if MLB awards a franchise or moves a team to Montreal. They may have to play in the Expos old home, Olympic Stadium, one or two seasons until the new stadium is complete, but at least they now have a plan. Leading the charge in Montreal is the Expos former owner, Charles Bronfman’s son, Stephen, and former Expos player Warren Cromartie. I’d truly like to see this happen for the city of Montreal.

DRILLERS OPEN TITLE DEFENSE

The Tulsa Drillers will open their defense of the Texas League Championship tonight. It will be the 43rd season of play for the Drillers franchise, and its 10th at ONEOK Field.

First pitch for tonight’s home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. It will be the first of a seven-game homestand that will continue for seven straight days, through April 10.

Tulsa will host the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners) in the first four games, followed by a three-game set against the Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals). Sunday’s game will be a 1:05 p.m. Monday’s game is slated for an 11:05 a.m.

The first homestand is going to be a Golden Championship Celebration, as the Drillers will be celebrating their 2018 Texas League Championship. Following the annual pre-game Opening Night Parade, the Drillers will raise the 2018 Texas League Championship banner at ONEOK Field. The first 5,000 fans through the gates on Opening Night will also receive a Rally Towel designed just like the championship banner.

The Golden Championship Celebration will continue on Friday, when returning players will receive their championship rings before the game, and there will be a post-game fireworks show. Throughout the entire opening homestand, the Drillers will be wearing special gold trimmed jerseys and caps to celebrate the team’s first championship in 20 years.

The Drillers are beginning their fifth season as the Double-A Affiliate of the National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Scott Hennessey returns for his second full season at the helm of the Drillers. His opening night roster will likely include three of the top five prospects in the Dodgers farm system.