An elite switch-hitter can neutralize opposing pitchers’ strategies. In April 1972, when the Montreal Expos traded Rusty Staub to the New York Mets, they gained Ken Singleton, a tall 6-foot-4 batter recognized for his keen batting eye. Singleton's composed approach at the plate distinguished him in French Canada; he carefully avoided widening his strike zone, making walks a significant offensive advantage and achieving some of the best on-base statistics of the 1970s.
His 1972 introduction to the Jarry Park faithful showed his disciplined style, but it was his 1973 season that truly displayed his offensive skill. Singleton appeared in all 162 games, maintaining a precise and high-pressure hitting approach that overwhelmed National League pitchers. He achieved a .302 batting average, hit 23 home runs, and had 103 RBIs, setting a franchise record for RBIs in a single season that would stand for ten years.
That summer, his most notable trait was his exceptional command of the strike zone. Singleton issued an impressive 123 walks, leading the Major Leagues and achieving a remarkable .425 on-base percentage. This unique combination of patience and power helped the young Expos make their first serious run at a pennant, securing Singleton a deserving ninth-place spot in the National League MVP voting.
He followed this with another highly disciplined season in 1974, drawing 93 walks and maintaining a solid .385 on-base percentage despite a decline in his power numbers. However, with a significant shortage of starting pitchers, the small-market Expos leveraged his increasing value. In December 1974, Montreal traded Singleton and Mike Torrez to the Baltimore Orioles in a franchise-changing deal. While Singleton later gained national fame, three All-Star selections, and a World Series victory with Baltimore, his reputation as an elite on-base player was originally established with Montreal.
He had 449 hits, 69 doubles, 46 home runs, and 227 RBIs. With 286 walks and 274 strikeouts, he posted a .284/.392/424 slash line and a 127 OPS+.
Uncovering a hidden talent in professional baseball often means searching beyond the usual areas. For Mike Lansing, the Montreal Expos discovered their long-term second baseman through an unexpected route. Originally drafted from Wichita State by the Miami Miracle, an independent minor league team, Lansing was later sold to Montreal in late 1991. Known as "The Laser" because of his quick reflexes and sharp line-drive swing, the dedicated infielder made his debut in 1993 and quickly secured the starting second base position, bringing a competitive edge to a talented young core.
His early years in Quebec featured consistent, line-drive hitting and dependable middle-infield defense. Lansing was a key part of the troubled 1994 team, offering consistent contact and speed near the bottom of the lineup while anchoring the infield with shortstop Wil Cordero. After a brief offensive decline in 1995, he bounced back to deliver a standout performance in the 1996 season. That summer, Lansing completely paralyzed National League pitching by racking up a career-high 183 hits across 159 games. He weaponized his gap-to-gap approach to lash 40 doubles, smash 11 home runs, and score 99 runs, all while batting a stellar .285 to keep the transitioning Expos right in the thick of a highly competitive wild-card chase.
After his breakout performance, he showcased his raw power again in 1997. Moving into a key spot in the middle of the lineup, Lansing hit .281 with a career-best 20 home runs and 70 RBIs. On May 7, 1997, against the San Francisco Giants, he made franchise history by becoming the first National League second baseman in over a hundred years to hit two home runs in one inning.
As was typical for Montreal baseball, individual excellence signaled a departure. With no money to re-sign him, the Expos traded the veteran second baseman to the Rockies in November 1997 in a deal that included minor leaguers like Jake Westbrook. Lansing later had productive years in Colorado, including hitting for the cycle in four innings.
As an Expo, Lansing had 702 hits, 147 doubles, 49 home runs, and 255 RBIs. He stole 79 bases and posted a .274/.322/410 slash line.