Watertown Expos
The Watertown Expos were a professional minor league baseball team that existed from 1970 to 1971 in Watertown, South Dakota, playing two seasons in the Northern League at historic Watertown Stadium.
| Watertown Expos 1970–1971 Watertown, South Dakota | |
| Minor league affiliations | |
|---|---|
| Previous classes | Class A Short Season |
Previous leagues | Northern League |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Previous teams | Montreal Expos |
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles | None |
| Team data | |
| Name | Watertown Expos |
| Ballpark | Watertown Stadium |
History
The Expos were preceded by the Watertown Lake Sox, who played in the collegiate summer minor league Basin League from 1954-1962. The Expos played in Watertown, beginning in 1970, as Class A members of the Northern League. The Expos were affiliates of the Montreal Expos. When the Northern League folded after the 1971 season, the remaining teams were the Aberdeen Pheasants, Sioux Falls Packers, St. Cloud Rox, and Watertown Expos.[1][2]
The ballpark
The Watertwon Expos and Watertown Lake Sox both played at Watertown Stadium, located at 1600 West Kemp Avenue. Still in use today, the ballpark, constructed in 1940, is on the National Register of Historic Places.[3][4]
Timeline
| Year(s) | # Yrs. | Team | Level | League | Affiliate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921–1922 | 2 | Watertown Cubs | Class D | Dakota League | None |
| 1923 | 1 | South Dakota League | None | ||
| 1954–1962 | 9 | Watertown Lake Sox | Summer collegiate baseball | Basin League | None |
| 1971–1972 | 2 | Watertown Expos | Class A Short Season | Northern League | Montreal Expos |
Year-by-year record
(from Baseball Reference Bullpen)
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 32–38 | 4th | Bobby Malkmus | None |
| 1971 | 30–40 | 4th | Bob Oldis | None |
Notable alumni
- Larry Lintz (1971)
- Dale Murray (1970)
- Tony Scott (1970)
- Dan Warthen (1971)