DELUSIONAL CUBS FAN

Hall of Famer Andre Dawson

Andre Dawson Elected to Hall of Fame

Congratulations Andre!  On January 6, 2009, Andre Dawson became a member of Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame.  After not receiving enough votes to gain entrance eight times, he finally “got the call” after getting 420 of the 405 votes needed to join.

For Cubs fans who saw Andre Dawson play for the Chicago Cubs from 1987-1992, it had to bring a smile to our faces.  “The Hawk” was beloved by Cubs fans and worshiped by the bleacher bums.  We all remember his amazing 1987 MVP season fondly.

In his career Andre Dawson won the 1987 National League Most Valuable Player award, the NL Rookie of the Year in 1977 with the Montreal Expos, and won 8 Gold Glove Awards during his career, four in right field and four in center field.  Dawson played for the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins over the course of 21 Major League seasons from 1976-1997

Andre Dawson is one of only six players in history to join the “300-300 club” of players with 300 or more career stolen bases and home runs, a tribute to his combination of speed and power.  He joins Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Reggie Sanders and Steve Finley.

He even received a World Series ring as a member of the Florida Marlins front office in 2003.  To do so of course, his new organization needed to defeat the Cubs.  But don’t worry, we don’t blame you Andre, we blame Bartman, steroids, goats, black cats, Alex Gonzalez, Dusty Baker and a bunch of others.

Andre Dawson Chicago Cubs Career

Cubs fans from back in the 80’s all remember that amazing season Andre Dawson had for the Cubbies in 1987.  It was Andre’s first season as a Cub, so he could really do no wrong after that.  No free agent since has ever made such a good first impression with the fans.

Dawson destroyed the National League that year with 49 Home Runs and 137 RBI, both of which led the league.  Andre was named MVP despite the fact the Cubs finished last place in the NL East that season because no other hitter came close to dominating the NL like he did that season.

He sure made his former team the Expos regret letting him go, but the Cubs almost didn’t get him either.  Dawson had become a free agent but spent the entire winter without receiving a single offer from any club.  So Andre Dawson took his career into his own hands and came looking for the Chicago Cubs.

Dawson and his agent showed up at the Cubs doorstep in spring training before the 1987 and handed GM Dallas Green a blank contract.  Green said he couldn’t offer more than $500,000, a small offer for a star player at the time but Dawson accepted and became a member of the Chicago Cubs.

It turned out to be a great move for both parties. The Chicago Cubs gained a superstar who was embraced by fans and Dawson flourished in the spotlight after a decade in Montreal and won the Most Valuable Player Award.  During his years with the Cubs, he was easily one of the most popular Cubs players and the face of the franchise.

Every year now we get to see Andre Dawson at the Cubs Convention and when he arrives in Wrigley to visit the booth, watch a game or support his friend Greg Maddux when his number was retired.

Andre Dawson was a class act, everything you ever wanted in a ball player and a beloved member of the Chicago Cubs.

Congratulations Andre!

Go Cubs!

——

More Andre Dawson Baseball Cards

Related Links:

Shop for Chicago Cubs Jerseys

Andre Dawson receives just due with Hall of Fame election – Chicago Tribune

Andre Dawson makes Hall of Fame on 9th try – Chicago Tribune

Andre Dawson Stats – Baseball Reference

Andre Dawson – Wikipedia

—–