The Montreal Expos may no longer play in the MLB, but there are still two members of their team kicking around major sports. The first in Bartolo Colon, who we’re pretty sure will never retire, but the one other, slightly more recognizable Montreal Expos icon to still be pleasing sports fans is current Canadiens mascot Youppi!
To give you a little history on just how iconic Youppi is, we’ll just point you towards one particular event. In 1989, Youppi became the first mascot to ever be ejected from a game. Apparently making too much noise on the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers dugout, Youppi was thrown out of the game by third base umpire Bob Davidson.
When the Expos became the Washingotn Nationals, there were actually quite a bit of politics put into the future of Youppi! According to NHL.com, the Canadiens acquired the mascot after lengthy discussions.
Originally, it was thought that the Expos move to Washington would involve Youppi. While they did plan on utilizing “Screech”, an Eagle mascot, the Washington Nationals explained that Youppi would still be used in some capacity.
Montreal decided they wanted Youppi back, and after discussion with at least 10 parties – including CFL football team Montreal Alouettes – the Habs were granted rights to the beloved orange-haired cheerleader. He joined the team in October, 2005.
Years later, it feels like Youppi has been the Habs mascot forever, but he took quite a route to get there. Despite only being with the team for his 13th season, Youppi celebrated his 40th birthday. He was joined by some of his mascot friends to celebrate.
(H/T NHL.com)
