Few players in baseball history have ever matched the pure, theatrical charisma of Pascual Pérez, but underneath the eccentric mannerisms lay a profoundly sharp pitching mind. Signed by Montreal in August 1987 after a drug suspension and release by Atlanta had nearly derailed his career, the Dominican right-hander found a second home in Canada. Known to fans as "I-285" and famous for his flamboyant antics—including peeking through his legs to check runners, sprinting off the mound after strikeouts, and throwing a legendary "pascual ball" eephus pitch—Pérez completely reinvented his approach at Stade Olympique, morphing from a wild thrower into a command-oriented artist.

His late 1987 entrance was a crucial boost for the Expos during their intense pennant race. Over his last ten starts, he dominated Senior Circuit batters, going 7–0 with a tiny 2.30 ERA. His unwavering confidence on the mound captivated Toronto, showing that his time off hadn’t cooled his competitive spirit at all.

Pérez built on his remarkable introduction by crafting a standout season in 1988. Demonstrating exceptional control and mastery in run prevention, he finished with a 12–8 record and an impressive 2.44 ERA across 28 starts. That summer, he pitched four shutouts, including a rain-shortened five-inning no-hitter, but his most defining trait was his extraordinary efficiency, leading the National League with a tiny 0.941 WHIP.

He maintained this exceptional performance into the 1989 season. Despite the Expos' often limited run support, Pérez continued to be a top starter, using his deceptive pitching to overpower batters. He ended the year with a 9–13 record but a strong 3.31 ERA, and led the National League with an outstanding 4.13 strikeouts per walk ratio, issuing only 31 walks over 198.1 innings.

As his contract ended after the 1989 season, the veteran right-hander took advantage of his strong performance in Montreal by securing a lucrative free-agent contract with the New York Yankees. Despite shoulder problems and later suspensions that greatly reduced his playing opportunities in the American League, his three summers wearing the tri-color cap represented the pinnacle of his career.

With the Expos, Pérez appeared in 66 games (all starts), posting a 28–21 record, 2.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP over 469.1 innings. He had 13 complete games, four shutouts, and 335 strikeouts with 93 walks, resulting in a 131 ERA+.

When the Montreal Expos traded franchise icon Gary Carter to the New York Mets in December 1984, it caused a significant public relations setback. To soothe an angry fan base, new players had to make an immediate impact. Although no player could replace "The Kid," Hubie Brooks arrived in Quebec and quickly became the offensive catalyst for the post-Carter era. Originally a natural third baseman with the Mets, Brooks generously moved to shortstop in Montreal, developing into one of the top middle infielders for producing runs in the league.

His debut before the Stade Olympique crowd showcased exceptional offensive versatility. Brooks dominated National League pitchers in his first 1985 season, hitting .269 with 34 doubles, 13 home runs, and a career-best 100 RBIs. His clutch performance at the plate earned him his first Silver Slugger Award, demonstrating his ability to perform under the pressure of stepping into a legendary player's role in the middle of the lineup.

He maintained his elite offensive gear through that summer. In 1986, Brooks elevated his performance, hitting a career-high .340 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs in just 80 games before a torn thumb ligament ended his season early. Despite the injury, his outstanding performance earned him his first All-Star selection and a second Silver Slugger Award in a row. Recovered and healthy in 1987, he made another All-Star appearance and drove in 72 runs, helping Montreal stay competitive in the exciting NL East race.

As years went by, playing shortstop on Montreal's tough turf took a toll, leading him to move to right field and third base. His defensive range was often limited and criticized, but his consistent, respected bat remained strong. After 1989, as the Expos focused on youth, Brooks left in free agency to rejoin the Mets, leaving a legacy of powerful middle-infield performance.

As an Expo, Brooks compiled 689 hits, 128 doubles, 75 home runs, and 390 RBIs. While generating a solid .272/.314/.418 slash line.