The Return of Minor League Baseball to Burlington
The evening of June 16, 1994, saw the crack of a bat echo through Centennial Field as the Vermont Expos opened their season, ending a six‑year absence of minor league baseball in the city.
Local businessman Ray Pecor, who had long championed the revival of the sport in Vermont, played a pivotal role in securing the franchise and bringing it back to the historic ballpark.
From the outset, the Expos embraced a fan‑friendly philosophy, offering affordable tickets and family‑oriented promotions that quickly endeared them to Burlington residents.
The team’s new mascot, Champ, added a playful element that resonated with crowds, helping the club build a loyal following during its inaugural season.
Within weeks, the Expos were drawing summer crowds that filled the stands, proving that the return of professional baseball could be both nostalgic and fresh for the community.