San Jose Expos

The San Jose Expos played one season in 1982 as the minor league baseball, Single A affiliate for the Montreal Expos. The team finished 66-74 in the California League.

The team’s owner, Peter “Woody” Kern, bought the previous Missions team for $65,000 and changed the name after signing a player development agreement with the Montreal Expos. During the 1982 season Kern began offering players bonuses for things like strikeouts and home runs, which was quickly shut down by the league. The parent Montreal Expos withdrew support from the club.

Four players from the Expos made it to the big leagues, Randy St. Claire, Rick Grapenthin, Luis Rivera, Frank Wren. The Expos were one in a series of tenants at San Jose’s Municipal Stadium.

The short life of the San Jose Expos set the stage for the young owner’s next creation, a monster known as the San Jose Bees.

1982 San Jose Expos game program.
1982 San Jose Expos game program.

1982 San Jose Expos Leaders

Home RunsJeff Carl13
HitsPaul Hertzler133
RBIsPaul Hertzler63
Stolen BasesDon Carter71
RunsBobby Doerner74
WinsTim Cates12-10
Strike OutsTim Cates140
SavesRick Grapenthin9