Washington Nationals - wikipedia Washington Nationals This article is about the current Major League Baseball team. For other uses, see Washington Nationals ( disambiguation ). Washington Nationals 2017 Washington Nationals season Established in 1969 Based in Washington, D.C. since 2005 Team logo Cap insignia Major league affiliations National League ( 1969 -- present ) East Division ( 1969 -- present ) Current uniform Retired numbers 42 ( as Montreal Expos : 8 10 10 30 ) Colors Red, navy blue, white Name Washington Nationals ( 2005 -- present ) Montreal Expos ( 1969 -- 2004 ) Other nicknames Nats Ballpark Nationals Park ( 2008 -- present ) Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium ( 2005 -- 2007 ) a.k.a. RFK Stadium Olympic Stadium ( 1977 -- 2004 ) Hiram Bithorn Stadium ( 2003 -- 2004 ) Jarry Park Stadium ( 1969 -- 1976 ) Major league titles World Series titles ( 0 ) None NL Pennants ( 0 ) None East Division titles ( 5 ) 1981 2012 2014 2016 2017 Front office Owner ( s ) Ted Lerner Manager Dusty Baker General Manager Mike Rizzo President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball ( MLB ) as a member club of the National League ( NL ) East division. From 2005 to 2007, the team played in RFK Stadium ; since 2008 their home stadium has been Nationals Park on South Capitol Street in Southeast D.C., near the Anacostia River. The Nationals are the fourth major league franchise to be based in Washington, D.C., and the first since 1971. The original Washington Senators, who were often referred to as the Nationals, played in the National League from 1891 to 1899. They were followed by a second Washington Senators franchise in 1901, a charter member of the new American League, who were officially named the Washington Nationals from 1905 to 1956. The second Senators franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961 and became the Minnesota Twins. They were replaced that season by a third Senators franchise, who eventually moved to Arlington, Texas, after the 1971 season and became the Texas Rangers. The current National League club was founded in 1969 as the Montreal Expos, part of the MLB expansion, which included the Seattle Pilots ( now the Milwaukee Brewers ), Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres. Based in Montreal, the Expos were the first Major League team in Canada. Home games were played at Jarry Park Stadium and later in Olympic Stadium. During the strike - shortened 1981 season, the Expos won a division championship and made their only post-season appearance in Montreal, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies, 3 -- 2, in the National League Division Series, but losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3 -- 2, in the National League Championship Series. The franchise had its highest winning percentage in the strike - shortened season of 1994, when the team had the best record in baseball. The team 's subsequent shedding of players caused fan interest to drop off, and after the 2001 season, MLB considered revoking the team 's franchise, along with either the Minnesota Twins or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After being purchased by MLB in 2002, the team was moved before the 2005 season to Washington, D.C., and renamed the Nationals, the first franchise relocation in Major League Baseball since the third Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1971. While the team initially struggled after moving to Washington, the Nationals have experienced considerable success in recent years, winning division titles in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017, although they have yet to advance out of the first round in the playoffs. Two of the team 's first overall picks in the MLB Draft, Stephen Strasburg in 2009 and Bryce Harper in 2010, attracted new levels of attention to the team. At the time of his selection, Strasburg was called the `` most - hyped pick in draft history, '' and Harper later became the youngest position player to be selected to the MLB All - Star Game. Including their time in Montreal, the Nationals are one of two franchises, and the only one in the National League, never to have won a league pennant and played in a World Series, along with the Seattle Mariners of the American League. Contents 1 History 1.1 Montreal Expos 1.1. 1 2001 contraction 1.2 Creation of the Washington Nationals 1.3 Washington baseball history revived 1.4 Washington Nationals 2 People of note 2.1 Managers 2.2 Broadcasters 2.3 Current roster 2.4 Baseball Hall of Famers 2.5 Ford C. Frick Award 2.6 Retired numbers 2.7 Ring of Honor 2.7. 1 Homestead Grays 2.7. 2 Montreal Expos 2.7. 3 Washington Nationals 2.7. 4 Washington Senators ( original team, 1901 -- 1960 ) 2.7. 5 Washington Senators ( expansion team, 1961 -- 1971 ) 2.8 Attendance and fans 2.8. 1 Attendance 2.8. 2 Prominent fans 3 Season standings 4 Spring training 5 Minor league affiliations 5.1 Former affiliates 6 Nationals Dream Foundation 7 Radio and television 8 Nationals vs. Orioles 8.1 Beltway Series 9 Notes 10 Footnotes 11 References 12 External links History Montreal Expos Main article : Montreal Expos The Montreal Expos joined the National League in 1969, along with the San Diego Padres, with a majority share held by Charles Bronfman, a major shareholder in Seagram. Named after the Expo 67 World 's Fair, the Expos ' initial home was Jarry Park. Managed by Gene Mauch, the team lost 110 games in their first season, coincidentally matching the Padres inaugural win - loss record, and continued to struggle during their first decade with sub -. 500 seasons. Starting in 1977, the team 's home venue was Montreal 's Olympic Stadium, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Two years later, the team won a franchise - high 95 games, finishing second in the National League East. The Expos began the 1980s with a core group of young players, including catcher Gary Carter, outfielders Tim Raines and Andre Dawson, third baseman Tim Wallach, and pitchers Steve Rogers and Bill Gullickson. The team won its only division championship in the strike - shortened split season of 1981, ending its season with a three games to two loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. The team spent most of the 1980s in the middle of the NL East pack, finishing in third or fourth place in eight out of nine seasons from 1982 to 1990. Buck Rodgers was hired as manager before the 1985 season and guided the Expos to a. 500 or better record five times in six years, with the highlight coming in 1987, when they won 91 games. They finished third, but were just four games behind the division - winning Cardinals. Bronfman sold the team to a consortium of owners in 1991, with Claude Brochu as the managing general partner. Rodgers, at that time second only to Gene Mauch in number of Expos games managed, was replaced partway through the 1991 season. In May 1992, Felipe Alou, a member of the Expos organization since 1976, was promoted to manager, becoming the first Dominican - born manager in MLB history. Alou would become the leader in Expos games managed, while guiding the team to winning records, including 1994, when the Expos, led by a talented group of players including Larry Walker, Moisés Alou, Marquis Grissom and Pedro Martínez, had the best record in the major leagues until the 1994 -- 95 Major League Baseball strike forced the cancellation of the remainder of the season. After the disappointment of 1994, Expos management began shedding its key players, and the team 's fan support dwindled. Brochu sold control of the team to Jeffrey Loria in 1999, but Loria failed to close on a plan to build a new downtown ballpark, and did not reach an agreement on television and English radio broadcast contracts for the 2000 season, reducing the team 's media coverage. 2001 contraction In November 2001, Major League Baseball 's owners voted 28 -- 2 to contract the league by two teams -- according to various sources, the Expos and the Minnesota Twins, both of which reportedly voted against contraction. Subsequently, the Boston Red Sox were sold to a partnership led by John W. Henry, owner of the Florida Marlins. In order to clear the way for Henry 's group to assume ownership of the Red Sox, Henry sold the Marlins to Loria, and baseball purchased the Expos from Loria. However, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, operator of the Metrodome, won an injunction requiring the Twins to play there in 2002. Because MLB was unable to revoke the Twins franchise, it was compelled to keep both the Twins and Expos as part of the regular season schedule. In the collective bargaining agreement signed with the Major League Baseball Players Association ( MLBPA ) in August 2002, contraction was prohibited until the end of the contract in 2006. By that time, the Expos had become the Washington Nationals and the Twins had made sufficient progress towards the eventual building of a new baseball - specific stadium that contraction was no longer on the agenda. Creation of the Washington Nationals With contraction no longer an option for the immediate term, MLB began looking for a relocation site for the Expos. Some of the choices included Oklahoma City ; Washington, D.C. ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Monterrey, Mexico ; Portland, Oregon ; somewhere in Northern Virginia such as Arlington or Dulles ; Norfolk, Virginia ; Las Vegas ; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Washington D.C and Virginia emerged as the front runners. In both 2003 and 2004, the Expos played 22 of their home games in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and the remaining 59 in Montreal. 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 former team owners against MLB and former majority owner Jeffrey Loria was struck down by arbitrators, bringing to an end all legal actions that would impede a move. The owners of the other MLB teams approved the move to Washington in a 28 -- 1 vote on December 3 ( Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos cast the sole dissenting vote ). Washington Baseball History revived Main article : History of Washington, D.C. professional baseball Numerous professional baseball teams have called Washington, D.C. home. The Washington Senators, a founding member of the American League ( AL ), played in the nation 's capital from 1901 to 1960 before moving to Minnesota and becoming the Twins. The original Washington American League Base Ball Club was founded by three local businessmen : Edward J. Walsh, Benjamin Minor, and Harry Rapley. Clark Griffith was hired as manager in 1912 and became a part owner, accumulating majority shares in later years. The stadium, originally known as National Park and then American League Park, later became known as Griffith Stadium. With notable stars including Walter Johnson and Joe Cronin, the Senators won the 1924 World Series and pennants in 1925 and 1933. The franchise became more successful after moving to Minnesota for the 1961 season to be renamed the Minnesota Twins. A second Washington Senators team ( 1961 -- 1971 ) had a winning record only once in its 11 years, although it featured slugger Frank Howard, who was inducted into the Ring of Fame at the new Nationals Park in 2016. This team was notable also because Ted Williams was manager in 1971. The expansion Senators moved to Arlington, Texas for the 1972 season and changed its name to the Texas Rangers. The city of Washington spent the next 33 years without a baseball team. Although there was some sentiment to revive the name Senators when the Montreal Expos franchise moved to Washington in 2005, legal and political considerations factored into the choice of Nationals, a revival of the first American League franchise 's official name used from 1901 to 1956. Politicians and others in the District of Columbia objected to the name Senators because the District of Columbia does not have voting representation in Congress. In addition, the Rangers still owned the rights to the Senators name, although the Nationals were able to acquire the rights to the curly `` W '' logo from the Rangers. Washington, D.C., mayor Anthony A. Williams supported the name `` Washington Grays '', in honor of the Negro - league team the Homestead Grays ( 1929 -- 1950 ), which had been based in Pittsburgh, but played many of their home games in Washington. In the end, the team owners chose the name `` Washington Nationals ''. Washington Nationals Main article : History of the Washington Nationals Nationals versus the Cincinnati Reds in 2009 at Nationals Park 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 it became known, was a long - range rebuilding and restructuring of the team from the ground up. This plan included investing in the farm system and the draft, and having a suitable team to go along with their new stadium. In the front office, the Nationals hired the well - respected former Arizona scouting director Mike Rizzo to be the vice president of baseball operations, second in charge under then - general manager Jim Bowden. Thanks to back - to - back No. 1 picks of Stephen Strasburg ( in 2009 ) and Bryce Harper ( in 2010 ), and other strong moves to their farm system, the Nationals became a contending team by 2012, winning division titles in 2012, 2014, and 2016. In April 2015, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Nationals Park was selected by Major League Baseball to host the 2018 All Star Game. In 2016, the Nationals acquired Mets infielder Daniel Murphy, who has made the All Star Game in each of his two years as a National. People of note Managers Manager Time period Regular season Post-season Totals Wins Losses Win % Best finish Wins Losses Win % Post-season Wins Losses Win % Frank Robinson 2005 -- 2006 152 172 7001469000000000000 ♠ 46.9 % 0 0 -- Never made post-season 152 172 7001469000000000000 ♠ 46.9 % Manny Acta 2007 -- 2009 158 252 7001385000000000000 ♠ 38.5 % 0 0 -- Never made post-season 158 252 7001385000000000000 ♠ 38.5 % Jim Riggleman 2009 -- 2011 140 172 7001449000000000000 ♠ 44.9 % 0 0 -- Never made post-season 140 172 7001449000000000000 ♠ 44.9 % John McLaren ( interim ) 2011 7001667000000000000 ♠ 66.7 % 0 0 -- Never made post-season 7001667000000000000 ♠ 66.7 % Davey Johnson 2011 -- 2013 224 183 7001550000000000000 ♠ 55 % 7001400000000000000 ♠ 40 % 2012 226 186 7001549000000000000 ♠ 54.9 % Matt Williams 2014 -- 2015 179 145 7001552000000000000 ♠ 55.2 % 7001250000000000000 ♠ 25 % 2014 180 148 7001549000000000000 ♠ 54.9 % Dusty Baker 2016 -- present 95 67 7001586000000000000 ♠ 58.6 % 7001400000000000000 ♠ 40 % 2016 97 70 7001581000000000000 ♠ 58.1 % Broadcasters Main article : List of Washington Nationals broadcasters Charlie Slowes -- radio ( 2005 -- present ) Dave Shea -- radio ( 2005 ) Dave Jageler -- radio ( 2006 -- present ) Mel Proctor -- TV ( 2005 ) Ron Darling -- TV ( 2005 ) Bob Carpenter -- TV ( 2006 -- present ) Tom Paciorek -- TV ( 2006 ) Don Sutton -- TV ( 2007 -- 2008 ) Rob Dibble -- TV ( 2009 -- 2010 ) F.P. Santangelo -- TV ( 2011 -- present ) Current roster Washington Nationals roster Active roster Inactive roster Coaches / Other Pitchers Starting rotation 22 A.J. Cole 47 Gio González 40 Edwin Jackson 57 Tanner Roark 31 Max Scherzer 37 Stephen Strasburg Bullpen 70 Austin Adams 43 Matt Albers 56 Joe Blanton 33 Matt Grace 27 Shawn Kelley 21 Brandon Kintzler 44 Ryan Madson 46 Óliver Pérez 72 Enny Romero 36 Sammy Solis Closer 62 Sean Doolittle Catchers 59 José Lobatón 65 Raudy Read 29 Pedro Severino 32 Matt Wieters Infielders 1 Wilmer Difo 26 Adam Lind 20 Daniel Murphy 6 Anthony Rendon 5 Adrián Sánchez 7 Trea Turner 11 Ryan Zimmerman Outfielders 9 Rafael Bautista 17 Alejandro De Aza 4 Howie Kendrick 14 Víctor Robles 45 Andrew Stevenson 3 Michael Taylor 28 Jayson Werth Pitchers -- Trevor Gott -- Austin Voth Infielders -- José Marmolejos Outfielders 8 Brian Goodwin 34 Bryce Harper Manager 12 Dusty Baker Coaches 54 Dan Firova ( bullpen ) 13 Bob Henley ( third base ) 24 Jacque Jones ( assistant hitting ) 15 Davey Lopes ( first base ) 51 Mike Maddux ( pitching ) 39 Rick Schu ( hitting ) 35 Chris Speier ( bench ) 60 - day disabled list 10 Stephen Drew 2 Adam Eaton 23 Erick Fedde 30 Koda Glover 18 Ryan Raburn 41 Joe Ross 35 active, 5 inactive 7 - or 10 - day disabled list Suspended list Personal leave Roster and coaches updated September 8, 2017 Transactions Depth chart → All MLB rosters Baseball Hall of Famers Main article : National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Washington Nationals Hall of Famers Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Montreal Expos Gary Carter Andre Dawson Randy Johnson Pedro Martínez Tony Pérez Tim Raines Dick Williams Washington Nationals Frank Robinson Iván Rodríguez Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Expos or Nationals cap insignia. -- inducted as player ; managed Expos / Nationals -- inducted as manager, also played for Expos / Nationals or was manager Ford C. frick award Washington Nationals Ford C. Frick Award recipients Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Tom Cheek Dave Van Horne Names in bold received the award based primarily on their work as broadcasters for the Expos or Nationals. Retired numbers Jackie Robinson 2B Retired 1997 See also : List of Major League Baseball retired numbers During the franchise 's period in Montreal, the Montreal Expos retired three numbers in honor of four players, plus Jackie Robinson 's number 42 which was retired throughout all Major League Baseball in 1997. Following the move to Washington, D.C., the numbers ( except 42 ) were returned to circulation and remain in use as of 2016, although the `` Team History '' section of the Nationals ' website continues to refer to the numbers as `` retired. '' After the Expos ' departure from Montreal, the National Hockey League ′ s Montreal Canadiens hung a banner in Bell Centre honoring the Expos ' retired numbers. Ring of Honor On August 10, 2010, the Nationals unveiled a `` Ring of Honor '' at Nationals Park to honor National Baseball Hall of Fame members who had played `` significant years '' for the Washington Nationals, original Washington Senators ( 1901 -- 1960 ), expansion Washington Senators ( 1961 -- 1971 ), Homestead Grays, or Montreal Expos. In late August 2016, the team dropped the criterion that an inductee be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, opening membership to `` anyone who has made a significant contribution to the game of baseball in Washington, D.C. '' ; the first inductee under the new criteria was Frank Howard. The ring includes : Homestead Grays No. Inductee Position Tenure Admitted Cool Papa Bell CF 1932, 1943 -- 1946 August 10, 2010 -- Ray Brown 1932 -- 1945, 1947 -- 1948 August 10, 2010 20 Josh Gibson 1937 -- 1946 August 10, 2010 32 Buck Leonard 1B 1934 -- 1950 August 10, 2010 -- Cumberland Posey OF / Manager / Owner Club official 1911 -- 1946 August 10, 2010 -- Jud Wilson 3B 1931 -- 1932, 1940 -- 1945 August 10, 2010 Montreal Expos No. Inductee Position Tenure Admitted 8 Gary Carter 1974 -- 1984, 1992 August 10, 2010 10 Andre Dawson CF 1976 -- 1986 August 10, 2010 30 Tim Raines LF 1979 -- 1990, 2001 August 28, 2017 20 Frank Robinson Manager 2002 -- 2004 May 9, 2015 Washington Nationals No. Inductee Position Tenure Admitted 20 Frank Robinson Manager 2005 -- 2006 May 9, 2015 7 Iván `` Pudge '' Rodríguez 2010 -- 2011 August 28, 2017 Washington Senators ( original team, 1901 -- 1960 ) No. Inductee Position Tenure Admitted Joe Cronin 1928 -- 1934 August 10, 2010 8, 10, 37 Rick Ferrell 1937 -- 1941 1944 -- 1945, 1947 August 10, 2010 3, 5, 20 Goose Goslin LF 1921 -- 1930 1933, 1938 August 10, 2010 -- Clark Griffith Owner 1912 -- 1914 1920 -- 1955 August 10, 2010 28, 30, 35, 50 Bucky Harris 2B Manager 1919 -- 1928 1924 -- 1928 1935 -- 1942, 1950 -- 1954 August 10, 2010 -- Walter Johnson 1907 -- 1927 August 10, 2010 3, 12, 25 Harmon Killebrew 1B 1954 -- 1960 August 10, 2010 2, 3 Heinie Manush LF 1930 -- 1935 August 10, 2010 2, 22 Sam Rice RF 1915 -- 1933 August 10, 2010 11, 20, 26, 44 Early Wynn 1939 -- 1944, 1946 -- 1948 August 10, 2010 Washington Senators ( expansion team, 1961 -- 1971 ) No. Inductee Position Tenure Admitted -- Bucky Harris Scout / Special Assistant 1963 -- 1971 August 10, 2010 9, 33 Frank Howard LF / 1B 1965 -- 1971 August 26, 2016 Attendance and fans Attendance Sources Season Stadium Attendance Rank in National League 2005 RFK Stadium 2,731,993 8th ( of 16 ) 2006 RFK Stadium 2,153,056 11th ( of 16 ) 2007 RFK Stadium 1,943,812 14th ( of 16 ) 2008 Nationals Park 2,320,400 13th ( of 16 ) 2009 Nationals Park 1,817,226 13th ( of 16 ) Nationals Park 1,828,066 14th ( of 16 ) 2011 Nationals Park 1,940,478 14th ( of 16 ) 2012 Nationals Park 2,370,794 9th ( of 16 ) 2013 Nationals Park 2,652,422 6th ( of 15 ) 2014 Nationals Park 2,579,389 7th ( of 15 ) 2015 Nationals Park 2,619,843 5th ( of 15 ) 2016 Nationals Park 2,481,938 7th ( of 15 ) Prominent fans `` Rubber Chicken Man '' Hugh Kaufman cheers on the Washington Nationals with baseball writer Paul Dickson. Kaufman waves a rubber chicken over the Nats ' dugout to ward off bad luck, and sometimes ritually `` sacrifices '' them to improve team performance. One prominent fan is `` Rubber Chicken Man '' Hugh Kaufman, who waves a rubber chicken over the dugout to ward off `` JuJu ''. Local sports writers have noted that his ritual `` sacrifices '' of rubber chickens often precede turnarounds in the Nationals ' performance. Kaufman has built a following at the Stadium and in 2013 started a group called the `` Secret Society of the Rubber Chicken '' that now claims several Nationals players among its members. Season standings Main article : List of Washington Nationals seasons Standings updated on October 13, 2016 MLB season Team season League Division Regular season Postseason Awards Finish Wins Losses Win % GB 2005 2005 NL East 5th 81 81. 500 9 Chad Cordero -- Rolaids Relief Man 2006 2006 NL East 5th 71 91. 438 26 Alfonso Soriano -- Silver Slugger 2007 2007 NL East 4th 73 89. 451 18 Dmitri Young -- `` Players Choice Awards '' NL Comeback Player 2008 2008 NL East 5th 59 102. 366 321⁄2 2009 2009 NL East 5th 59 103. 364 34 Ryan Zimmerman -- Gold Glove and Silver Slugger NL East 5th 69 93. 426 28 Ryan Zimmerman -- Silver Slugger 2011 2011 NL East 3rd 80 81. 497 211⁄2 2012 2012 NL East 1st 98 64. 604 -- Won NL East Division by 4 games ; lost NLDS 2 -- 3 Adam LaRoche -- Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Ian Desmond -- Silver Slugger Stephen Strasburg -- Silver Slugger Bryce Harper -- National League Rookie of the Year Davey Johnson -- National League Manager of the Year 2013 2013 NL East 2nd 86 76. 531 10 Ian Desmond -- Silver Slugger 2014 2014 NL East 1st 96 66. 593 -- Won NL East Division by 17 games ; lost NLDS 1 -- 3 Ian Desmond -- Silver Slugger Anthony Rendon -- Silver Slugger Wilson Ramos -- Tony Conigliaro Award Matt Williams -- National League Manager of the Year 2015 2015 NL East 2nd 83 79. 512 7 Bryce Harper -- National League Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Hank Aaron Award, `` Players Choice Awards '' NL Outstanding Player, Esurance MLB Awards for Best Major Leaguer and Best Everyday Player 2016 2016 NL East 1st 95 67. 586 -- Won NL East Division by 8 games ; Lost NLDS 2 -- 3 Max Scherzer -- Cy Young Award 2017 2017 NL East 1st TBD TBD TBD -- Bold denotes a playoff season, pennant or championship ; italics denote an active season. Spring training Main article : Space Coast Stadium Main article : The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches The Nationals hold spring training in Florida, where they play their annual slate of Grapefruit League games. From 2005 through 2016, they held spring training at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida, a facility that they inherited from the Expos. In 2017, the Nationals moved their spring training operations to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, a new facility they share with the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida ; they played their first Grapefruit League game there on February 28, 2017. Minor league affiliations Main article : List of Washington Nationals minor league affiliates Level Team League Location AAA Syracuse Chiefs International League Syracuse, New York AA Harrisburg Senators Eastern League Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Advanced A Potomac Nationals Carolina League Woodbridge, Virginia Hagerstown Suns South Atlantic League Hagerstown, Maryland Short Season A Auburn Doubledays New York -- Penn League Auburn, New York Rookie GCL Nationals Gulf Coast League West Palm Beach, Florida DSL Nationals Dominican Summer League Dominican Republic Former affiliates Level League Team ( Seasons ) AAA International League Columbus Clippers ( 2007 -- 08 ) New Orleans Zephyrs ( 2005 -- 06 ) Edmonton Trappers ( 2003 -- 04 ) Ottawa Lynx ( 1993 -- 2002 ) Indianapolis Indians ( 1984 -- 92 ) Wichita Aeros ( 1982 -- 83 ) Denver Bears ( 1976 -- 81 ) Memphis Blues ( 1974 -- 75 ) Peninsula Whips ( 1972 -- 73 ) Winnipeg Whips ( 1971 ) Buffalo Bisons ( 1970 ) Vancouver Mounties ( 1969 ) AA Southern League Jacksonville Suns ( 1984 -- 1990 ) Memphis Chicks ( 1978 -- 83 ) Quebec Metros ( 1976 -- 77 ) Quebec Carnavals ( 1971 -- 75 ) Jacksonville Suns ( 1970 ) California League San Jose Expos ( 1982 ) Carolina League Kinston Expos ( 1974 ) Florida State League Brevard County Manatees ( 2002 -- 04 ) Jupiter Hammerheads ( 1998 -- 2001 ) West Palm Beach Expos ( 1969 -- 1997 ) Midwest League Clinton Lumber Kings ( 2001 -- 02 ) Burlington Expos ( 1993 -- 94 ) Rockford Expos ( 1988 -- 92 ) Burlington Bees ( 1986 -- 87 ) South Atlantic League Savannah Sand Gnats ( 2003 -- 06 ) Cape Fear Crocs ( 1997 -- 2000 ) Delmarva Shorebirds ( 1996 ) Albany Polecats ( 1995 ) Albany Polecats ( 1992 ) Sumter Flyers ( 1991 ) Gastonia Expos ( 1983 -- 84 ) Short Season A New York -- Penn League Vermont Expos / Lake Monsters ( 1977 -- 2010 ) Jamestown Expos ( 1973 ) Northern League Watertown Expos ( 1970 -- 71 ) Nationals Dream foundation The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is the team 's charity which is `` committed to community partnerships that improve the lives of children and families across the Washington Capital Region. The foundation plans to open a youth baseball academy in partnership with the D.C. government, a pediatric diabetes care center at Children 's National Medical Center in partnership with the Center. The foundation also provides grants to local organizations. On August 1, 2011, the foundation, in partnership with several local organizations, formally opened Miracle Field in Germantown, Maryland as part of an effort to encourage athletic activity in children with `` mental and / or physical challenges. '' According to Steven Miller of MLB.com, what sets Miracle Field apart in terms of safety is its unique design, as it `` is made entirely of a cushioned synthetic turf that is five - eighths of an inch thick -- providing a safe surface for children in wheelchairs or with other handicaps. '' Radio and television Mascots dressed as Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln in the stands during a 2010 game against the Baltimore Orioles. They compete in the Presidents Race every mid-fourth inning of a home game. The Nationals ' flagship radio station is WJFK - FM ( 106.7 FM ) `` The Fan '', which is owned by CBS Radio. Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler are the play - by - play announcers. Most games are simulcast on WFED ( 1500 AM ), which had been the flagship station since the 2006 season until a multi-year agreement was reached between the Nationals and WJFK before the 2011 season. WJFK ( 1580 AM ) airs any games that WFED is unable to air due to conflicts. The other former flagship is WWZZ ( 104.1 FM ), which carried games in the 2005 season. Nationals ' telecasts are predominantly on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network ( MASN ), with a few games picked up for free TV by Fox by way of WTTG. MASN simulcasts 20 games per season ( the season opener plus 19 weekend games ) on free TV in the Washington area, on WUSA. Bob Carpenter has been the TV play - by - play announcer since 2006 and F.P. Santangelo was hired in January 2011 as color analyst. Mel Proctor was the TV play - by - announcer in 2005, and former color analysts are Ron Darling ( 2005 ), Tom Paciorek ( 2006 ), Don Sutton ( 2007 -- 2008 ), and Rob Dibble, who took over the job in 2009 and was fired in September 2010 after criticizing Stephen Strasburg for not pitching while injured. Ray Knight filled in as color analyst in September 2010 after Dibble was fired. Johnny Holliday and Knight host the Nats Xtra pregame and postgame shows. TV ratings were among the worst in the league as of July 2008 but increased during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Nationals vs. Orioles Beltway Series Main article : Beltway Series The Nationals have an interleague rivalry with the nearby Baltimore Orioles nicknamed the Beltway Series. The teams have played two series a season -- one in Baltimore and one in Washington -- since 2006. Notes Jump up ^ The Ring of Honor should not be confused with the Washington Hall of Stars. Footnotes RFK Stadium Fast Facts References Jump up ^ Ladson, Bill ( November 10, 2010 ). `` Nationals unveil new jerseys in fashion show ''. Washington Nationals. Retrieved September 24, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Nationals victorious in stadium debut ''. MLB.com. March 29, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Brewers Timeline ''. Milwaukee Brewers. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 21. Jump up ^ `` Franchise Timeline ''. Retrieved August 6, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Gwynn lost chance at. 400 ; Expos denied playoff berth ''. CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Labor Pains -- A guide to Major League Baseball 's contraction issue ''. infoplease.com. Retrieved September 24, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Nats ' crown - clinching win worth the wait ''. MLB.com. September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Bryce Harper, Mike Trout lead young All - Star Game rosters ''. USATODAY.COM. Retrieved 2017 - 03 - 26. Jump up ^ `` Crasnick : Starting 9 -- Bryce Harper, you 're next ''. ESPN.com. 2010 - 06 - 02. Retrieved 2017 - 03 - 26. Jump up ^ martinstezano ( August 26, 2015 ). `` 6 Things You May Not Know About the World Series ''. A&E Television Networks, LLC. History Channel. Retrieved August 26, 2015. Jump up ^ `` World Series Club History ''. Baseball Almanac. Retrieved August 6, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Montreal Expos ( 1996 ). Expos Media Guide 1996. Jump up ^ Blair, Jeff ( June 15, 1991 ). `` Brochu group goes to bat for baseball survival here ; Expos sale official as Bronfman era ends ''. Montreal Gazette. pp. C. 1. Jump up ^ Montreal Expos ( 2000 ). Expos Media Guide 2000. Jump up ^ Blair, Jeff ( December 10, 1999 ). `` Expos to field better team, Loria says Ebullient new chairman vows to increase salary limit, build new ballpark for 2002 season ''. The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail. pp. S. 1. ^ Jump up to : Schoenfield, David ( February 5, 2002 ). `` Still 30 teams : Contraction timeline ''. ESPN.com. Retrieved February 19, 2009. Jump up ^ Mnookin, Seth ( 2006 ). Feeding the Monster. How Money, Smarts, and Nerve Took a Team to the Top. New York : Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 8681 - 2. Jump up ^ `` Deal in place, games go on '' ( Press release ). MLB.com. August 30, 2002. Retrieved December 28, 2006. Jump up ^ Myles, Stephanie ( September 30, 2004 ). `` 31,395 say goodbye ''. Montreal Gazette. pp. C1. Jump up ^ Bloom, Barry M. ( September 29, 2004 ). `` MLB selects D.C. for Expos ''. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Retrieved May 18, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Media Center ''. DCVote.org. Retrieved September 24, 2010. Jump up ^ Plotkin, Mark ( October 3, 2004 ). `` The District 's Senators Should n't Wear Cleats ''. The Washington Post. Retrieved October 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` In Washington, it 'll be `` Let 's go Nats '' ``. USA Today. November 22, 2004. Jump up ^ Ladson, Bill ( November 22, 2004 ). `` D.C. 's team to be the Nationals ''. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Archived from the original on February 4, 2005. Retrieved April 9, 2017. Jump up ^ Barry Svrluga ( June 5, 2007 ). `` Nationals Counting on Draft - Day Payoff ''. Washington Post. p. E01. Jump up ^ `` Nationals pick JUCO player first overall ''. CBS Sports. Retrieved June 30, 2015. Jump up ^ Axisa, Mike. `` Nationals Park to host 2018 All - Star Game ''. CBS Sports. Retrieved May 6, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Daniel Murphy Stats Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 21. Jump up ^ `` Nationals Year - By - Year Results ''. Washington Nationals. Retrieved October 25, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Postseason Results ''. Washington Nationals. Retrieved 2016 - 10 - 26. ^ Jump up to : `` Franchise Retired Numbers ''. Washington Nationals. Retrieved February 17, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Washington Nationals Pay Tribute to Hall of Famers with Ring of Honor ''. Washington Nationals. August 10, 2010. ^ Jump up to : https://www.facebook.com/dan.steinberg.311. `` Senators legend Frank Howard is humbled and thrilled to enter the Nats ' Ring of Honor ''. Washington Post. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ Anonymous, `` ' Bucky ' Harris field no longer a dream '' The Times Leader, October 21, 2007 Jump up ^ `` Frank Robinson inducted into Nationals Ring of Honor ''. Washington Post. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Frank Howard says Bryce Harper ' has n't even begun to scratch the surface ' ''. Washington Post. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2005 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2006 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2007 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2009 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2010 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2011 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2012 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2013 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2014 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2015 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2016 Washington Nationals Schedule - Baseball-Reference.com ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Jump up ^ Greenberg, Neil ( June 11, 2014 ). `` Besides the sacrifice of a rubber chicken, what 's behind the Nats hot streak ? ''. The Washington Post. Jump up ^ Presidents Race Fan. `` Davey Johnson calls for the sacrifice. Chicken Man delivers. ''. LetTeddyWin.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Washington Nationals History & Encyclopedia ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2008. Jump up ^ Bill Ladson ( October 26, 2007 ). `` Young honored by Players Association ''. MLB.com. Retrieved November 8, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Nationals Dream Foundation ''. Washington Nationals. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Washington Nationals Join Civic, Community Organizations to Build Miracle Field ''. MLB.com. Retrieved April 2, 2014. Jump up ^ Miller, Steven ( August 1, 2011 ). `` Nationals unveil Miracle League Field ''. Nationals.com. Retrieved April 2, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Nats, Post Radio Nearing Deal To Air Games ''. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Nationals get new radio partner ''. Washington Business Journal. February 28, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Nationals pick radio partner ''. Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ Fantis, Manny. `` Washington Nationals Games on WUSA9 and MASN ''. Retrieved February 11, 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Santangelo set to join Nats ' TV team ''. Major League Baseball. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Rob Dibble Fired by Nationals in Wake of Stephen Strasburg Comments ''. AOL.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ Steinberg, Dan ( July 7, 2008 ). `` Nats : Last in the League, Last in TV Ratings ''. Washington Post. Jump up ^ OURAND, JOHN ( July 7, 2008 ). `` MLB ratings down, but networks look ahead ''. Street and Smith 's Sports Business Journal. Retrieved July 10, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Nationals ' TV Ratings Improve ''. Retrieved October 5, 2014. Jump up ^ Paulsen. `` The Ratings Game : Ratings Up For Nationals, Orioles ''. Retrieved October 5, 2014. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington Nationals. Official website Washington Nationals roster FOX Sports -- Washington Nationals team front Sandalow, Marc. `` A Brand - New Ballgame : The New Stadium of the Nationals '', Washingtonian, March 1, 2008. Awards and achievements Preceded by Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Phillies Atlanta Braves New York Mets National League Eastern Division Champions 1981 ( as Montreal Expos ) 2012 2014 2016, 2017 Succeeded by St. Louis Cardinals Atlanta Braves New York Mets Incumbent Washington Nationals Formerly the Montreal Expos Based in Washington, D.C. Franchise History in Washington, D.C. Seasons Records No - hitters Owners and executives Managers Players Broadcasters First - round draft picks Opening Day starting pitchers All articles Ballparks Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Nationals Park Spring training : Space Coast Stadium Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Culture and lore Presidential first pitch Presidents Race Screech How Do You Know Rubber Chicken Man Key personnel Owner : Ted Lerner General Manager : Mike Rizzo Manager : Dusty Baker Rivalries Baltimore Orioles Retired numbers 42 Division titles ( 4 ) 2012 2014 2016 2017 Minor league affiliates AAA : Syracuse Chiefs AA : Harrisburg Senators A Adv. : Potomac Nationals A : Hagerstown Suns Short A : Auburn Doubledays Rookie : GCL Nationals DSL Nationals Broadcasting Television Mid-Atlantic Sports Network ( MASN ) Radio 106.7 The Fan Radio network affiliates Broadcasters Bob Carpenter F.P. Santangelo Johnny Holliday Ray Knight Charlie Slowes Dave Jageler Seasons ( 13 ) 2000s 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010s 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Links to related articles Montreal Expos Now the Washington Nationals Based in Montreal, Quebec ( 1969 -- 2004 ) Franchise Seasons Expansion Expansion draft Records No - hitters Players Opening Day starting pitchers Player of the Year Owners and executives Managers Broadcasters All articles Ballparks Jarry Park Olympic Stadium Hiram Bithorn Stadium Spring training City Island Ball Park Municipal Stadium Roger Dean Stadium Space Coast Stadium Culture `` The Happy Wanderer '' Youppi ! Expo 67 TSN The Cap Lore Blue Monday Dennis Martínez 's perfect game Meilleure équipe de baseball David Cone 's perfect game Rivalries Toronto Blue Jays Retired numbers 8 10 10 30 42 Championships National League East : 1981 ( second half ) Seasons ( 36 ) 1960s 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970s 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980s 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1990s 1993 2000s Principal owners of the Washington Nationals franchise Montreal Expos ( 1969 -- 2004 ) Charles Bronfman Claude Brochu Jeffrey Loria Major League Baseball Washington Nationals ( 2005 -- present ) Major League Baseball Ted Lerner Major League Baseball ( 2017 ) American League East Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Central Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins West Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers National League East Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals Central Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Cardinals West Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Postseason World Series Champions NL NL Champions NLCS NLDS NLWC AL AL Champions ALCS ALDS ALWC Appearances Streaks Droughts Series ( by franchise ) Steroid usage Drug policy suspensions Mitchell Report Juiced Vindicated Biogenesis baseball scandal BALCO scandal Game of Shadows Barry Bonds perjury case Miscellaneous All - Star Game World Baseball Classic International games Records Awards Retired numbers Hall of Fame Executive Management Winter Meetings Hot stove league Transactions MLB drafts First year player Rule 5 Players Association TV contracts Highest paid players Instant replay MLB logo MLB team uniforms Minor League Baseball History AL Seasons Tie - breakers Tie - breaking procedures Rivalries Interleague play Schedule Stadiums Civil Rights Game Jackie Robinson Day Spring training ( Cactus League, Grapefruit League ) Opening Day Lockouts / strikes Mascots MLB.com Timeline Timeline of Major League Baseball History of team nicknames Dead - ball era Live - ball era Relocation of the 1950s -- 60s Expansion 1961 1962 1969 1977 1993 1998 Commissioner : Rob Manfred League Presidents NL AL National League Organization Parent league : Major League Baseball Partner league : American League Honorary president : Bill Giles Current teams East Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals Central Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Cardinals West Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Former, relocated, and disestablished teams 19th - century National League teams Boston Beaneaters / Braves ( 1883 -- 1952 ) Milwaukee Braves ( 1953 -- 1965 ) Brooklyn Dodgers ( 1883 -- 1957 ) New York Giants ( 1883 -- 1957 ) Houston Colt. 45s / Astros ( 1962 -- 2012 ) Montreal Expos ( 1969 -- 2004 ) Championship play List of champions Championship Series Division Series Wild Card winners Related articles Professional baseball Sports teams based in the Washington, D.C. area Baseball MLB Washington Nationals EL Bowie Baysox CL Frederick Keys Potomac Nationals ALPB Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Basketball NBA Washington Wizards WNBA Washington Mystics Football NFL Washington Redskins AFL Washington Valor WFA D.C. Divas Hockey NHL Washington Capitals Soccer MLS D.C. United NWSL Washington Spirit Roller derby WFTDA DC Rollergirls Rugby league USA Rugby League Washington D.C. Slayers Tennis WTT Washington Kastles Ultimate AUDL DC Breeze College athletics NCAA Div. I American Georgetown George Mason George Washington Howard Maryland Mount St. Mary 's Navy NCAA Div. II UDC NCAA Div. III Catholic Gallaudet Marymount See also : Sports in Washington, D.C. Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington_Nationals&oldid=802539192 '' Categories : Washington Nationals Major League Baseball teams Grapefruit League Privately held companies based in Washington, D.C. Sports clubs established in 2005 2005 establishments in Washington, D.C. 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Question: when did the montreal expos become the washington nationals
Answer: 2005