Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
There are several things that people usually form strong attachments to when growing up. They include family, friends, and … a baseball team. For them, the players on their favorite team become like a second family, and the ballpark their second home. They grew up and took their kids to the park, too. It became a generational thing … until some teams decided to relocate, leaving behind a crushed fanbase. Here are 10 examples of when fans were left screaming, “WHY?!”
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The Dodgers Pack Up Brooklyn’s Soul for LA Sunshine
See this man here? It’s Walter O’Malley, the man that most Brooklyn Dodger fans blame when it comes to the team’s move to the other side of the country. Like many things in life, though, it’s more complicated than just him being a villain. There was a lot of politics involved (in a major city? Never!), and there were plenty of other people who were worthy of scorn, like Robert Moses. Still, the everyday people of Brooklyn had every right to feel betrayed, and O’Malley went to his grave a hated man in New York.
The Giants Leave Coogan’s Bluff for California Dreamin’
The move was famously coordinated with the Dodgers’ relocation, as Walter O’Malley persuaded Giants owner Horace Stoneham that both teams needed to head west to preserve their storied rivalry on a new coast. This way, the two could preserve their rivalry, just on the West Coast. Fans of both teams were distraught that they’d only have the Yankees playing ball in New York for a while, before the Mets came to town.
Montreal Expos: From Poutine to Potomac as the Nationals
Montreal’s Expos had Youppi!, the best ballpark nachos in Canada, and a loyal following that braved April snow flurries.The problem was … it was a hockey city. The following wasn’t large enough, and there were times that the park would be empty enough that the players could try to learn French by listening to conversations. As a result, the team first became nomadic and then moved to Washington.
The Athletics’ Triple Jump: Philly to KC to Oakland—and Soon, Vegas?
It’s rough being a fan of ANY team named the A’s. The franchise has probably incurred more moving fees than other teams. During its existence, local fans have shared Philadelphia pies, Kansas City BBQ, and Oakland’s rhythmic drums. Now they’re moving AGAIN with Vegas on the horizon after a couple of years in Sacramento. A’s fans have every right to be wary.
Washington Senators (First Edition): Gone to Become the Minnesota Twins
DC’s first heartbreak came in 1960, when the original Senators packed up their pennants and their memories of such superstars as Walter Johnson, and headed north to become the Twins. Griffith Stadium fell silent, but the city’s baseball drought was short-lived, as an expansion team also named the Senators would arrive the very next season.
Senators Bolt D.C. (Twice!): The Last One Saddles Up as the Texas Rangers
Washington got a second Senators team in 1961, but even the new blood didn’t last. After the ’71 season, they mounted up and galloped to Texas as the Rangers. Nationals fans had better keep their eye on the news, lest the same happen to them.
Milwaukee Braves: Bratwurst Swapped for Atlanta Peaches
The Braves brought Hank Aaron and a World Series parade to Milwaukee, only to skip town for the sunny South in 1966. Milwaukee fans had to watch Hammerin’ Hank break Ruth’s all-time record as an Atlanta player.
The Browns Become Orioles: St. Louis Sobs into Its Toasted Ravioli
Long before “Birdland,” the Orioles were the St. Louis Browns—a team so snakebit they once had a one-armed outfielder. In 1954, they flapped away to Baltimore. While the city has always embraced the Cardinals, St. Louis fans surely felt pangs of regret watching future Hall of Famers like Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken become legends in Baltimore.
Seattle Pilots: One Wild Year Before Becoming the Brewers
Seattle got a taste of MLB in 1969, but the Pilots lasted just one season before taking off for Milwaukee. Seattle got an expansion team, but the Mariners have not won a World Series in their history.
Boston Braves (aka Bees): From Braves Field to BU’s Nickerson—Then Off to Milwaukee
Long before the Braves settled in Milwaukee and later Atlanta, they were Boston’s National League team. They played at Braves Field, which still stands today as Nickerson Field on the campus of Boston University. The franchise even featured Babe Ruth in his final season. When the team buzzed off to Milwaukee in 1953, it left behind a rich history and a ballpark that would be repurposed for student-athletes.