DC welcomes the return of baseball
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MLB owners have voted 29-1 to approve the proposed move of the Montreal Expos to Washington for the 2005 season.
The decision is still subject to the District of Columbia government enacting funding for a new stadium.
But baseball commissioner Bud Selig said: "This is another important step in finalising the
relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington DC.
"We are looking forward to finishing the last few steps, including the sale of the ball club, and the rebirth of the club as the Washington Nationals."
Friday's lone dissenting vote was believed to be cast by Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who is seeking assurances that the move will not have a negative financial
impact on his franchise.
No major league team has moved since the expansion Washington Senators became the Texas Rangers for the 1972 season.
The Nationals are due to play at RFK Stadium, the former home of NFL team Washington Redskins, until a new stadium is built.