DC opts for Nationals

Baseball is returning to Washington for the first time since 1971

Washington's new Major League Baseball team are to be named the Nationals.

The franchise's new nickname was confirmed at a media conference on Monday.

The club's logo and red, white and blue colours were also revealed at the same event.

The new Washington outfit came into being when MLB decided to transfer the ailing Montreal Expos franchise.

The Canadian team has been plagued by poor attendances and financial problems in recent seasons, resulting in it being taken over and bankrolled by MLB's other teams.

The switch to Washington is the first in the Majors since the Washington Senators moved to become the Texas Rangers 33 years ago.

Prior to that, another Washington franchise, also called the Senators, moved to Minnesota in 1961.

Mayor Anthony Williams reportedly did not want the Expos to be renamed Senators, pointing out that the District of Columbia does not have voting representation in the United States Senate.

The return of Major League Baseball to Washington means the city is now represented in the big four North American sports.

The Redskins play in the NFL, the Wizards in the NBA and the Capitals in the NHL.