'The Hawk’ Insists He’s Proud to Go into Hall of Fame as an Expo
Since Andre Dawson was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame as a Montreal Expo, many questioned whether 'the Hawk' was happy to be displayed in Expos headgear on his plaque. Dawson had made it clear that his preference was to go in the Hall as a Cub, but the committee ruled he’d go in donning the departed Expos gear.
Many Canadian fans were upset when Dawson stated his preference. The Hawk spent 11 seasons with the Montreal Expos, and only six with the Chicago Cubs. Dawson reportedly left Montreal with a sour taste in his mouth after the organization made no efforts to resign him.
While the organization may have failed to properly recognize Dawson, the organization never made an effort to retain its stars as they were always strapped for money, which is one of the reasons why the Expos are no more. The fans always loved Dawson though. He was a huge fan favourite in the city and was one of the main draws of the team.
Dawson insists though, that he’s okay with the fact that he’s going in the Hall as an Expo: “Sometimes the media doesn’t fully understand the process,” Dawson explained. “They [the Hall of Fame] make the final decision on what cap goes on the statue. In my case, they decided I made my greatest impact on the game as an Expo. I’m fine with that. I respect that decision.”
Dawson also downplayed the speculation that he hated what the organization did to him. He stated he wanted to go in as a Cub due to the reception he got in Chicago and his gratitude to the fans.
“I have nothing but respect for the Montreal organization and my years as an Expo,” said Dawson. “I loved the city. They had a first-class organization, starting at the top with the owner Charles Bronfman. When I said I would have preferred to go in as a Cub, it was a tribute to the Chicago fans and the way they embraced me.”
Dawson also explained that he was happy to play on grass at Wrigley Field instead of the unforgiving Astro-Turf of Olympic Stadium. Dawson endured 12 knee surgeries in his career.
“I didn’t want to leave Montreal,” insisted Dawson. “I had hoped I would be one of those guys who played his whole career with one team. But I got into a contract dispute with management. As much as I missed Montreal it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Playing in Chicago helped extend my career.”
Dawson, along with Gary Carter, are the only Expos to be in the Hall of Fame, but the Hawk expects to have some more company very soon. Players like Larry Walker, Tim Raines, and Vladimir Guerrero are still large possibilities for Cooperstown, and Dawson looks forward to fellow Expos one day joining him and Carter in the Hall of Fame.
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