Now that headline might sound like a song mash-up, but in reality, former Montreal Expos were in town for what has become a summer tradition and fundraiser for the Kat Demes Pavilion of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Perry (Gee) Giannias, founder of Expos Fest announced that do date 2.9 million has been raised from the first gala until now. “It’s all because of the teamwork,” Perry Giannias said. “ From the boys responding, to the different organizations that take part like here with Baseball Pierrefonds, and our sponsors for the golf tournament, that’s what allows us to continue to raise funds for the Kat Demes Pavilion.”

That tradition would be the Expos All-Stars barnstorming through four towns, taking on a local team, and meeting the fans post-game for autographs and photos. The second part of the tradition is a more recent addition as the visit is capped off with a celebrity golf tournament at the Elmridge Golf Club. Joining in for the golf tournament was NDG’s Russell Martin who was part of a package auctioned off for a round of golf with the former Blue Jay.

This year Bill Lee, Bryn Smith, Claude Raymond, Wallace Johnson, Denis Boucher, Tony Batista, plus former Canadien Sergio Momesso formed the core of the team with the balance of players paid to play alongside “nos amours”. The All-Stars went a perfect 3-0, wrapping up with the game at George Springate Park in Pierrefonds as the fourth game was a washout due to inclement weather.

Good crowds and a warm welcome greeted the troupe at each stop with fans of the team keeping the flame alive by introducing youths to members of the original Canada’s team. “It’s so nice to know we are remembered,” Wallace Johnson said. “I loved my time here in Montreal and reconnecting with the fans is fun. The important thing is why we are here because it’s for the kids.”

When all was said and done, Giannias and his stalwart volunteers will take some time off before starting to put together next spring’s Expos Fest Gala. n