If this is it ...

I begin to write this in what appears to be the final inning of what's
likely to be the final game of the Montréal Expos; by the time I finish
and post this, the game will surely be over. While I think I said my
real goodbyes at Stade Olympique on Wednesday night, I just wanted to
put down some of my thoughts while I still can.

In the past three years, ever since the contraction threat made it
appear that long-time rumours of the Expos' demise might come true, I've
been through all five stages of grief. Now acceptance is setting in and
I'm numb after all this time. In a way, though, the extra three seasons
has given me time to sort my thoughts and adjust.

I still hope for a successful RICO suit. Failing that, I hope it helps
expose MLB, Loria, et al for the two-faced swindlers they are.

So thank you to the Expos for showing me that baseball can be a global
game. Thanks for giving me highs, lows and a crusade the past three
years. Thanks especially for introducing me to the wonderful city of
Montréal. And especially, thanks to all my fellow fans of the MONTREAL
Expos -- it's been great learning about you and sharing.

John Baker
South San Francisco, California

PS -- It was inspiring to hear the New Yorkers chant "Let's Go Expos" a
few times during the game today.