BASEBALL. On October 3, 2004, the Montreal Expos played the last game in their history. Proud Beauceron of Saint-Éphrem, Tom Bureau perpetuates their memory two decades later in a personal museum.
This sporting mecca honors athletes and teams from multiple disciplines, such as hockey, soccer, boxing, tennis, and of course, baseball. Photos, jerseys, frames, sticks, balls, paintings… autographed or not, these artifacts represent a fascinating history lesson.
“I like doing sport and its unifying side. Over time, I developed a large network of contacts to increase my collections,” explains the 51-year-old man.
With his company National Granit, Tom Bureau takes part in benefit evenings with auctions, the profits of which go to groups caring for sick children. He was involved in the organization of the Gagné-Bergeron Pro-Am and participates annually in Expos Fest group events.
“There are also several groups of collectors in Canada and the United States, with whom I discuss and exchange. […] I take the opportunity to visit different stadiums. I saw those of Toronto, Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, among others, but I only saw the Expos twice at the Olympic Stadium,” admits Mr. Bureau, who nevertheless remained a proud supporter of the Montreal team. .
Tour of the places
The different objects each have their own story, but it is especially the photos that leave you speechless. A smiling image of Felipe Alou, manager of the Expos, and Petro Martinez, pitcher of the Boston Red Sox, is part of the lot. Martinez wore the Montreal uniform from 1994 to 1997.
Tom Bureau also has an autographed image taken in 1984 of Pete Rose, professional player from 1963 to 1986, and Charles Bronfman, then owner of the Expos. His personal favorite remains a sweater autographed by Claude Raymond. Active for 13 seasons, he ended his career as a pitcher with the Expos. “He was the first Quebecer to play in the major leagues,” recalls Mr. Bureau.
Another striking image is that of Maurice The Rocket Richard et Gary The Kid Carter captured in 1981. Ten years later, the photo of Dennis Martinez and his happy teammates brings back an important memory to mind. The one we call The President pitched a perfect game on July 28, 1991, in a 2–0 Expos victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His baseball collection isn’t just limited to the Expos. “Visiting the museum of Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirates), who died in a plane crash, I became aware of his talent and his humanitarian implications,” says Tom Bureau, whose museum highlights the exploits of other athletes like Joe DiMaggio, Hank Arron, Russell Martin and Éric Gagné.
A baseball town
Like many fans, Tom Bureau cannot digest the departure of the Expos. “We experienced this as a mourning and a betrayal. The team’s owners, at the time, abandoned their players and fans. Montreal is a baseball market. It remains to be seen if anyone will have the means to bring back a team,” he says.
