The Washington Nationals history reflects a journey of perseverance and triumph in Major League Baseball. Originally founded as the Montreal Expos in 1969, the team relocated to Washington, D.C. in 2005. Over time, they built a strong identity, culminating in a World Series title in 2019. Today, Washington Nationals baseball continues to inspire loyal fans nationwide.
Established
1969
City
Montreal – Washington D.C.
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1969 – 1999 / National League
Team History
2005 – Present / Washington Nationals
1969 – 2004 / Montreal Expos
Nickname
Nationals – Baseball fans in the nation’s capital have been cheering on the Washington Nationals since 2005, but few know that their nickname has a long and exciting history. The team's name is derived from an earlier major league baseball club founded in 1859 as part of the National Association of Baseball Players. This original incarnation of the “Nationals” competed for nearly two decades before disbanding following financial difficulties associated with America's Civil War.
Washington Nationals Origin
In 1901, another version of this same franchise joined Major League Baseball (MLB) as a charter member under its new moniker: The Washington Senators. Over time, this team became known affectionately by locals simply as "the Nats," they continued to compete until 1960 when they were relocated to Minnesota and renamed “The Twins."
Though no professional teams were based out of D.C. between 1961-2004 due to MLB expansion rules, residents never lost their love for baseball or forgot about "the Nats." When MLB finally returned to D.C., it made perfect sense for them to rekindle this beloved nickname, thus giving birth once again to The Washington Nationals - now one of the most successful franchises in all sports!
Championship
World Series 1
2019
Stadium
2008 – Present / Nationals Park
2005 – 2007 / Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
*Montreal*
1977 – 2004 / Olympic Stadium
1969 – 1976 / Jarry Park Stadium
Owner
2006 – Present / Theodore N. Lerner
2002 – 2006 / Major League Baseball
1999 – 2002 / Jeffrey Loria
1991 – 1999 / Claude Brochu
1969 – 1991 / Charles Bronfman
- 2001
- 2005
- 2006
- 2008
- 2019
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MLB Takes Over Ownership Nationals
Without a viable owner willing to operate the team in Montreal, it was widely thought that the sale of the Expos to MLB was the first step in the process of either moving the team or folding it all together. Although their attendance increased from 7,935 per game in 2001 to 10,031 in 2002, MLB decided that the Expos would ... -
Move to Washington
On September 29, 2004, MLB announced that the Expos would move to Washington, D.C. in 2005. The Expos played their final game on October 3 at Shea Stadium, losing by a score of 8–1 against the New York Mets, the same opponent that the Expos first faced at its start, 35 years earlier. On November 15, a lawsuit by the ... -
Ted Lerner Ownership
When Ted Lerner took over the club in mid-2006, he hired Stan Kasten as team president. Kasten was widely known as the architect of the Atlanta Braves before and during their run of 14 division titles. Kasten was also the general manager or president of many other Atlanta-area sports teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. “The Plan”, as ... -
Nationals Park
Finally, on March 5, Major League Baseball signed a lease for a new ballpark, agreeing to the city’s $611 million cap. MLB also agreed to contribute $20 million toward the cost of the stadium, although it did not agree to cover stadium overruns. Further, MLB added the condition that excess ballpark tax revenue earmarked for debt service for the bonds ... -
World Series Winner 2019
The 2019 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) 2019 season. The 115th edition of the World Series was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League champion Houston Astros and the National League champion Washington Nationals. The series was played from October 22 to October 30. The Nationals won the series, four games to three, ...
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Washington Nationals History
The Washington Nationals history began in 1969 when the franchise was founded as the Montreal Expos. After years in Canada, the team relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2005 and became the Nationals. Since then, they have grown into one of Major League Baseball’s most respected franchises. With multiple division titles, four National League East crowns, and a World Series championship in 2019, the Washington Nationals baseball story is one of perseverance and triumph.
During the Expos era, the team saw moments of promise and disappointment. The 1981 season was their brightest, led by Hall of Famer Gary Carter, who earned two Gold Gloves and powered Montreal to the National League Championship Series. Despite finishing with the best record in the league, they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic seven-game showdown. After that, the Expos struggled for consistency and missed the postseason until 2002. Even so, stars like Vladimir Guerrero kept the franchise relevant and exciting during those challenging years.
The Washington Nationals history changed dramatically after the move to D.C. By the 2010s, the Nationals had built a powerhouse roster with elite pitching and young talent. Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, and Aníbal Sánchez anchored the rotation, while hitters like Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, Trea Turner, and Howie Kendrick energized the lineup. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, the Nationals finally broke through in 2019, winning the National League pennant and advancing to their first World Series.
That 2019 World Series became the defining moment in Washington Nationals history. Facing the Houston Astros, the Nationals won in seven games, securing their first championship in franchise history. The series featured unforgettable performances, including Strasburg’s dominance on the mound and Kendrick’s clutch home run in Game 7. This victory cemented the Nationals as champions and gave Washington, D.C., its first baseball title since 1924.
Nationals Achievements
The achievements of the Washington Nationals baseball franchise go beyond that historic championship. They have produced MVP-caliber players, Cy Young winners, and multiple All-Stars who shaped the modern era of the game. Their consistent ability to develop talent through the draft and scouting has kept them competitive even during roster transitions.
Looking forward, the Nationals are rebuilding with a new generation of young players. Prospects like CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz, and Josiah Gray represent the next chapter in the Washington Nationals history. With a championship already secured and a promising future ahead, the Nationals remain a vital part of Major League Baseball’s story and a team fans proudly support.
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Retired Number
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history