How Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Helps One Lifelong Expos Fan Live In The Now

When the Expos were first introduced to Montreal in 1969, 15-year-old Abe Hefter became an instant fan. Later, as a broadcaster, Hefter was in the building for Blue Monday, the team's crushing loss to the Dodgers in the 1981 National League championship.

And then, in 1996, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. made his Major League debut.

"I was 3,000 miles away in Vancouver, British Columbia," Hefter says. "But through the magic of television, I could see just exactly what a splendid ballplayer Vladimir Guerrero was."

But after eight years with the Expos, Guerrero signed with Anaheim. And then in September of that year, the Expos left to become the Washington Nationals.

"I took it personally," Hefter says. "The Washington Nationals are not my team. There is no continuity there now."

Last year, while living in Hartford, Hefter got a chance to connect with his old team again, by watching Vladimir Guerrero's son play for the minor league New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

"I watched [Vlad] Guerrero [Jr.] smack a number of balls very hard for no other reason than to be there. To take it in. To experience it. To relive memories. To look back at what was a generation ago for the Guerreros, and what was a generation ago for me as well," Hefter says.

To hear Abe Hefter's story, click the play button next to the headline at the top of the page.

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