The passing of Rodger Brulotte on March 21, 2026, has resonated deeply within Quebec’s sports community, particularly among those who remember the early days of the Montreal Expos. While not a household name to many, Brulotte’s presence at Stade Olympique during the Expos’ formative years became a symbol of the team’s growing connection with the city. The news, as reported by Journal de Québec, brought a wave of emotion to those who knew him and those who simply observed his quiet dedication to the team. [Journal de Québec]
Brulotte’s story is interwoven with the personal baseball journeys of others, as recalled by those who covered the game during that era. Louise Nobert, a pioneering female sports journalist, remembers Brulotte not for his on-field contributions – he wasn’t a player or coach – but for his shared passion for the game. Nobert, who first learned baseball through her first husband, found her love for the sport truly ignited by Brulotte. [QUB]
Nobert’s recollections, published by QUB, paint a picture of a Montreal baseball scene brimming with local talent. She speaks fondly of the Sherbrooke Athletics, a team that featured former Montreal Royals star Roland Gladu and Ray Brown, a groundbreaking Black pitcher who would later be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Brown, noted for his rare ability to hit almost as well as he pitched, was a focal point of the local baseball landscape. Nobert’s early work involved meticulously tracking every detail of each game – box scores, hits, errors, and more – a demanding task that underscored the dedication required to cover the sport effectively.
The transition from covering the Athletics to following the Expos at Jarry Park marked a turning point. While the detailed record-keeping with the Athletics was necessary, it lacked the pure enjoyment that came with experiencing the Expos firsthand. Listening to Jacques Doucet’s radio broadcasts, Nobert found herself transported to the stadium, even when she couldn’t attend in person. This highlights the power of broadcast journalism in fostering a connection between fans and their teams.
However, it was a moment of heartbreak – the 1981 National League Championship Series – that cemented Brulotte’s place in Nobert’s memory. With the Expos just one win away from their first World Series appearance, a ninth-inning home run by Rick Monday of the Los Angeles Dodgers shattered Montreal’s hopes. Nobert vividly recalls the stunned silence that descended upon the Stade Olympique, the choked voice of Doucet on the radio, and her own tears. And amidst the devastation, she remembers seeing Rodger Brulotte, also weeping, but finding solace in the presence of Youppi!, the Expos’ beloved mascot. This shared moment of grief and the symbolic comfort offered by Youppi! encapsulates the emotional investment fans had in the team.
The story also touches on the broader cultural landscape of Quebec, noting a recent trend of adapting literary works for the stage. Kev Lambert’s novel, a prize-winning work, is currently being performed at the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde. The production, praised for its strong performances – particularly by Anne Dorval – and striking visual design, has been met with generally positive reviews. However, the adaptation’s reliance on a simplified, binary worldview (good versus evil, winners versus losers) has drawn some criticism. The play, while faithful to the novel, may lack the nuance of the original source material.
Rodger Brulotte’s story, as recounted through the lens of another’s experience, serves as a reminder that the impact of individuals extends beyond their visible roles. He wasn’t a star player or a prominent broadcaster, but he was a dedicated fan whose presence resonated with those around him. His shared sorrow with fellow fans during a heartbreaking moment in Expos history speaks to the unifying power of sports and the deep emotional connections that can form between teams and their communities. The memory of Brulotte, alongside Youppi!, offers a poignant image of a city’s collective heartbreak and enduring passion for baseball.
As the Expos continue to be a topic of discussion and potential revival, figures like Rodger Brulotte represent the foundation of fan loyalty that any future iteration of the team would require to cultivate. His quiet dedication, witnessed by those who covered the game, underscores the importance of every fan in building a lasting baseball legacy.
The passing of Rodger Brulotte is a reminder of the individuals who contribute to the fabric of sports, even without seeking the spotlight. His story, shared through the recollections of those who knew him, offers a glimpse into a pivotal era of Montreal baseball and the enduring power of shared passion.
The next major event for baseball fans in Quebec will be the continued monitoring of potential developments regarding the return of the Montreal Expos. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates as this story unfolds.
