7 hours ago
We saw an emotional businessman who had just suffered one of the toughest failures of his professional career.
The image was strong. Stephen Bronfman was in his office downtown trying to find answers for the death of the Sister Cities project with Tampa Bay.
Even if he was criticized from all sides, the project of sister cities was close to his heart. It touched a sensitive chord. He wanted to show his father Charles that he could bring major league baseball back to Montreal.
It was more than just an investment.
He was ready to put hundreds of millions on the table to revive baseball in Montreal. His project was ambitious. Ridiculous for many observers, but it was the most viable option for him and his group. It was plan A, B and C.
An expansion ? At a cost of over $2 billion, Bronfman and his group would not have been able to recoup their investment. Illogical for such savvy businessmen.
After this decision without appeal from Major League Baseball, there is an observation that hurts even more: Montreal is no longer able to have a full-time team. It is now branded with a hot iron. It’s as painful as being hit by a throw.
Slap in the face
In the space of two weeks, Quebec received two slaps in the face from two major professional sports circuits.
The chances of seeing the Nordiques or the Expos again have been dashed. At least, for the next few years. It’s been hard to be “Expositive” since last Thursday.
Those who wanted a little diversity in the Quebec sports landscape will have to be patient. We will not see a major league return to Quebec anytime soon.
Nothing to help the climate of gloom that has set in over the past 22 months due to the pandemic.
Didn’t leave the hostel
Before listening to the point…
Mathieu Boulay
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