Expert: Sebastien Robert - 7/4/2000

Question
I am watching the Expos at Atlanta on ESPN2, I`m
curious - why are the Expos wearing a black number 9 on their right sleeves?  I was trying to
think of a former Expo player who wore no. 9 that
may have passed away recently, I came up empty.
I know the number has not been retired because
Lee Stevens is wearing it.  Please help me out Sebastien,This is the kind of thing that causes insomnia! Thanks.

Answer
Hi Darryl

Hehe, insomnia eh? :-) The #9 worn by the Expos is actually in memory of hockey legend Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, the first man to score 50 goals in the NHL, who passed away 2 months ago. Richard was an icon to Quebecers, and the Expos thought of wearing a #9 patch in his honor. Stevens' jersey is actually heading to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown after this season. This marks the first time in history that a baseball team has honored an athlete from outside the sport.

Hope this helps you get some sleep :-)

Seb