Why Isn't Andre Dawson in the Hall of Fame?
Former Cubs and Expos Slugger Snubbed Once Again
Jan 13, 2009
Congratulations to both Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice on their inductions to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Henderson, the all-time stolen base king, and Rice, a former A.L. MVP and one of the most feared sluggers throughout the 70's and 80's, are both two very worthy members. But Rice's induction in particular does raise an interesting question: why isn't Andre Dawson in the Hall of Fame as well?
Dawson's Career Accomplishments
The numbers of "The Hawk" speak for themselves: eight All-Star appearances, eight Gold Gloves, a former N.L. MVP and Rookie of the Year. His 1987 MVP selection was all the more impressive considering Dawson's Cubs finished in last place in the N.L. East that season.
Dawson's career numbers are even more awesome: 2,774 hits, 438 home runs, 314 stolen bases and 1,591 RBI. As noted on his Wikipedia page, Dawson is only one of six players in major league history to be in the 300 home run-300 stolen base club, and is only one of three players in baseball history to be in the 400 homer-300 stolen base club.
Arguments Against Dawson
One of the more prominent arguments against Dawson's admittance into the Hall is the fact that some feel his offensive numbers with the Cubs were inflated by playing in the homer-friendly Wrigley Field. If that is the case, then wouldn't it also devalue the numbers of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ryne Sandberg, all Cubs and Hall-of-Famers? Some may also cite the fact that Dawson has never been on a World Series winner, at least not as a player (he has a ring as an executive for the Florida Marlins in 2003). But again, that could also be a charge against Hall-of-Famers Banks, Williams, Sandberg and Ferguson Jenkins. Would you deny any of them Hall-of-Fame status?
Dawson Is Scandal-Free
In an era where the numbers and immortality of players (Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, McGwire, etc.) are in question, a player like Dawson is even more Hall-worthy. He did it clean, drug-free; he had no scandals throughout his career to speak of. Had he not spent a good portion of his career ruining his knees on the lousy AstroTurf of Olympic Stadium in Montreal, his already impressive numbers would have been even more staggering.
Rice, who has very comparable numbers and accomplishments to Dawson, had to wait until his final year of eligibility to be inducted to the Hall. Hopefully, it will not take as accomplished a player as Dawson as long to be equally honoured.
