The Washington Nationals have one of Major League Baseball’s most unique histories, filled with twists, challenges, and a hard-won triumph that captivated the nation’s capital. Born from the ashes of two previous franchises and evolving from humble beginnings, the Nationals’ journey to their 2019 World Series championship is a story of resilience, persistence, and a city’s loyalty. Here’s a look at the rise of the Washington Nationals, a team that overcame decades of struggle to reach the pinnacle of baseball.
1. Roots in Montreal: The Origins of the Franchise
Before they were the Washington Nationals, the team was known as the Montreal Expos. Founded in 1969 as Canada’s first Major League Baseball franchise, the Expos represented a new era of expansion. Despite a loyal fan base, the Expos struggled with financial issues and limited success on the field. They enjoyed moments of promise, particularly in 1981, when they reached the postseason for the first time. However, their playoff hopes were dashed in a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, which would haunt the franchise for years.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Expos continued to develop talented players, including future Hall of Famers Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, and Vladimir Guerrero. The team enjoyed a stellar season in 1994, holding the best record in baseball when a players’ strike prematurely ended the season. That strike-hit season was devastating for the Expos, who lost momentum, fans, and financial stability. Ownership issues and low attendance eventually led to the team’s relocation.
2. Relocation to Washington, D.C.: The Birth of the Nationals
In 2005, Major League Baseball approved the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C., rebranding the team as the Washington Nationals. Baseball had a long history in the nation’s capital with the original Washington Senators, but D.C. had been without an MLB team since 1971. The return of baseball was a significant event for Washington sports fans, marking the city’s chance to embrace a team of their own once again.
The Nationals played their first few seasons at RFK Stadium, a historic but aging facility. Though they struggled initially, Washington fans supported their new team wholeheartedly. The team’s early years in Washington were marked by rebuilding efforts, focusing on scouting and developing talent to create a competitive roster for the future. These efforts paid off with top draft picks like Ryan Zimmerman, who became the “Face of the Franchise,” leading the Nationals through their formative years.
3. Building a Contender: Key Draft Picks and Development
In 2009 and 2010, the Nationals made two crucial draft picks that would change the franchise’s trajectory: Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Strasburg, a phenom pitcher known for his blazing fastball, made his electrifying MLB debut in 2010, immediately capturing the nation’s attention. Bryce Harper, selected as the first overall pick in 2010, brought both immense talent and charisma, quickly becoming one of the most exciting players in baseball.
With a roster built around these young stars and complemented by players like Ian Desmond, Jayson Werth, and Jordan Zimmermann, the Nationals began to show promise. In 2012, they made their first postseason appearance since moving to Washington, clinching the National League East title. Though they lost a heart-wrenching series to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Nationals had proven they were a team on the rise.
4. Years of Success and Postseason Heartbreaks
The Nationals spent much of the 2010s as one of the best teams in the National League. They claimed division titles in 2014, 2016, and 2017, establishing themselves as consistent contenders. However, they struggled to make it past the first round of the playoffs, facing tough defeats in each postseason appearance. These repeated early exits led to criticism and frustration among fans and players, fueling the perception that the Nationals couldn’t handle the pressure of October baseball.
Despite their playoff struggles, the Nationals continued to cultivate talent and deepen their roster, adding players like Trea Turner, Max Scherzer, and Anthony Rendon. Scherzer, a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, became the ace of the Nationals’ rotation, his fierce competitiveness and dominance embodying the spirit of the team. Under the leadership of manager Dusty Baker and later Dave Martinez, the Nationals developed a culture of resilience, even if postseason success continued to elude them.
5. The 2019 Season: An Unlikely Run to the World Series
The Nationals’ 2019 season began with challenges, including a slow start and the departure of Bryce Harper to the Philadelphia Phillies in free agency. Many doubted Washington’s ability to compete without Harper, and by May, the Nationals were 19-31, sitting near the bottom of the standings. However, the team found new life, rallying around the motto “Stay in the Fight,” and embarking on one of the most remarkable turnarounds in MLB history.
Led by veterans like Scherzer, Strasburg, and Rendon, alongside young stars like Juan Soto and Victor Robles, the Nationals finished the season with a 93-69 record, earning a Wild Card berth. In the National League Wild Card Game, they faced the Milwaukee Brewers and staged a dramatic comeback, with a clutch hit by Soto sending the Nationals to the Division Series.
In the NLDS, the Nationals defeated the heavily favored Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, thanks to a stunning grand slam by Howie Kendrick in the decisive game. They continued their historic run by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series, securing their first World Series appearance.
6. World Series Victory: Washington’s First Championship
In the 2019 World Series, the Nationals faced the Houston Astros, who had one of the best records in baseball. The series was hard-fought and filled with tension, with each team winning only on the road—an unprecedented feat in a seven-game series. The Nationals demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Strasburg pitching a gem in Game 6 and Kendrick hitting a decisive home run in Game 7.
The Nationals won Game 7 by a score of 6-2, claiming the franchise’s first World Series championship and delivering Washington’s first baseball title since 1924. Strasburg’s outstanding postseason performance earned him the World Series MVP award, and the Nationals’ victory was celebrated by fans across the nation’s capital. Their triumph became a testament to persistence, teamwork, and the power of believing against the odds.
7. The Post-Championship Era: Rebuilding and Challenges
Following their World Series win, the Nationals faced a period of transition. Key players like Rendon left in free agency, and injuries to star pitchers like Strasburg hampered the team’s ability to replicate their 2019 success. The Nationals made several trades in 2021 to bolster their farm system, signaling a new focus on rebuilding for the future. Juan Soto emerged as the team’s new face, showcasing exceptional skill and maturity at the plate.
Though the Nationals have faced challenges in recent seasons, they remain committed to building a competitive roster. With new prospects and young talent developing in their system, the Nationals’ front office has set its sights on creating another championship-caliber team.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience, Perseverance, and Hope
The Washington Nationals’ journey is a testament to perseverance, both on the field and in the community. From their humble beginnings as the Montreal Expos to their thrilling 2019 World Series victory, the Nationals have shown that with determination, success is always possible. Washington, D.C., has embraced the Nationals wholeheartedly, creating a strong bond between the team and its fans.
Today, the Nationals stand as a reminder of baseball’s enduring appeal and the rewards that come from hard work, resilience, and unity. As they continue to build for the future, Nationals fans remain hopeful that the next chapter in their story will bring even more unforgettable moments and, perhaps, another championship to the nation’s capital.
