The 1981 Montreal Expos: A Season of Firsts, Glory, and Heartbreak

The 1981 Montreal Expos season stands as one of the most memorable and bittersweet chapters in franchise history. Fueled by a mix of emerging young stars and seasoned veterans, the Expos made their first and only playoff appearance in Montreal’s Major League Baseball history. In a year marred by a players’ strike, the Expos thrilled fans with postseason heroics but fell heartbreakingly short of the World Series.

Season Overview

The 1981 season was split into two halves due to a midseason players’ strike that lasted from June 12 to August 9, dividing the campaign into a “first-half” and “second-half” format. The Expos, managed by Dick Williams, finished third in the NL East in the first half (30–25), but surged in the second half with a 30–23 record, capturing the division title and a place in the playoffs.

• Overall Record: 60–48

• Second Half NL East Champions

• Playoff Result: Lost NLCS (3–2) to Los Angeles Dodgers

Key Players and Statistics

Andre Dawson – CF

In his prime, Dawson delivered both power and defense.

• AVG: .302

• HR: 24

• RBI: 64

• SB: 26

• Awards: Gold Glove

Gary Carter – C

The “Kid” was the emotional heart of the team, handling the pitching staff while supplying offense.

• AVG: .251

• HR: 16

• RBI: 68

• All-Star Selection

Tim Raines – LF

In his rookie season, Raines quickly became one of baseball’s top leadoff men.

• AVG: .304

• SB: 71 (in just 88 games)

• OBP: .391

• Runner-up NL Rookie of the Year

Steve Rogers – SP

The longtime Expo ace had arguably his finest year.

• Record: 12–8

• ERA: 3.42

• Postseason: 3 CG in 4 starts, including a shutout in the NLDS Game 5

Ray Burris – SP

A dependable veteran who stepped up down the stretch.

• ERA: 3.04 in 15 starts

Jeff Reardon – RP

Acquired midseason, Reardon stabilized the bullpen.

• Saves: 6 in regular season

• ERA: 1.30 with Montreal

The Strike and the Split Season Format

The MLB strike altered the playoff structure, creating a “first-half” vs. “second-half” division championship format. This helped the Expos, who would not have made the playoffs under normal circumstances. Montreal capitalized on the new format by winning the second-half NL East title, setting up a Division Series showdown with the first-half champion Philadelphia Phillies.

NLDS: Montreal Expos vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Expos defeated the defending world champions in five hard-fought games.

• Game 1: Steve Rogers shut out the Phillies 3–1

• Game 2: Mike Schmidt and the Phillies evened the series

• Game 3: Ray Burris blanked the Phillies 3–0 at Olympic Stadium

• Game 4: Phillies won 6–5 in 10 innings

• Game 5: Rogers came back on three days’ rest and pitched a complete-game shutout to win the series

This series victory marked the first and only playoff series win in Expos history.

1981 NL EASTERN DIVISION SERIES Game 5 PHILADELPHIA 10/11/81 Original NBC Broadcast

NLCS: Montreal Expos vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The NLCS was a classic, dramatic five-game battle that ended in heartbreak for Montreal.

• Game 1: Expos won 3–1 behind Burris

• Game 2: Dodgers evened the series

• Game 3: Rogers pitched a gem in a 4–1 win

• Game 4: Dodgers used a four-run first inning to force Game 5

• Game 5: The infamous “Blue Monday” game

Blue Monday – October 19, 1981

Game 5 was tied 1–1 in the 9th inning at Olympic Stadium when manager Dick Williams controversially brought in Steve Rogers in relief on short rest. Dodgers outfielder Rick Monday crushed a two-out home run off Rogers, giving L.A. a 2–1 lead. Montreal went quietly in the bottom of the ninth. Just like that, the dream was over.

Legacy of the 1981 Expos

• First (and only) playoff appearance for Montreal

• Tim Raines’ emergence as a star

• A dominant pitching staff, particularly in October

• Heartbreaking end still haunts Expos fans

Though the team never reached those heights again in Montreal, the 1981 season cemented the Expos as one of baseball’s most beloved and tragic teams. It was a perfect blend of youth, talent, and postseason excitement—derailed only by one swing on Blue Monday.

1981 NLCS Gm3: White’s three-run homer breaks tie

Notable Accolades and Events

• Andre Dawson won his second consecutive Gold Glove

• Gary Carter started the All-Star Game at catcher

• Tim Raines led the NL in stolen bases despite the strike-shortened year

• Steve Rogers’ postseason ERA: 0.92 (3 starts, 1 relief appearance)

Conclusion

The 1981 Montreal Expos were a team of “what ifs”—what if the season hadn’t been interrupted, what if Rogers hadn’t been used in relief, what if Blue Monday never happened? Yet, in a year of turmoil across the sport, the Expos gave Canada a thrilling baseball October. For a franchise too often overlooked in MLB lore, the 1981 season remains a shining moment of glory, heartbreak, and unforgettable passion.