Andre Dawson forced to go into HoF as Expo

[Upton]

Andre Dawson said he was disappointed the Hall of Fame decided his plaque in Cooperstown, N.Y., will feature a Montreal Expos hat, but Dawson plans to acknowledge Chicago Cubs fans during his induction speech in July.

Dawson, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Montreal, wanted his plaque to feature a Cubs hat. He played six seasons with the Cubs, beginning with his MVP year in 1987.

"I know the difference in the 10 to six years probably was something of a consideration on their part," Dawson said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But I tried to explain, perhaps, the impact of what really catapulted me to Hall of Fame status, and pretty much what my preference was.

"But I think their decision had been made. It was a little gut-wrenching for me to hear that, but it's their decision, and I respect that, and from there I move on."

Dawson was hoping his preference would carry a little more weight, but the fact the Expos no longer exist might have made an impact on the Hall. The organization left Montreal after the 2004 season and moved to Washington, D.C., becoming the Nationals.

The Baseball Hall of Fame said it considers the wishes of an inductee but that the choice of the logo on each plaque must be emblematic of where the player made his greatest impact.

"The Hall clearly stated their major concern is the history of the game, and that's what really played into their decision," Dawson said. "I'm disappointed. I can probably say that, because Chicago was my preference.


http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4862768


Strange, but I was always under the impression that the inductee got to choose how he went into the Hall..

Maybe this will mean that the HoF will take into consideration Randy Johnson's 300th win coming as a Giant when his turn comes up...

[Bluzmann57]

1. Asa Cub fan, I loved watching Hawk

And wish that he would have gone in as a Cub. But, the Montreal Expos should be remembered somehow, and Dawson had some fine years for Montreal. I suspect that Carter and Dawson will be it as far as any Expos we will ever see in the HoF. Unless Randy Johnson goes in as an Expo.That's doubtful though. My guess is that Johnson goes in as a Diamondback.

[madinmaryland]

2. I found that a bit strange, also. I thought players could choose the

team they went with, also.

BTW, if you think Randy Johnson is going in as a Smallman, then maybe you should just put down the crack pipe.

[Upton]

3. I realize

he'll no doubt go in as a D-Back, but at the same time, whenever the subject of Johnson's 300th win comes up, mention will be made that he did it as a GIANT. :thumbsup:

Oh, in case you're interested:

As of 2009, the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame has inducted 66 representatives of the Giants (55 players and 11 managers) into the Hall of Fame, more than any other team in the history of baseball.

[madinmaryland]

4. Interestingly, how many of those

are from the New York Baseball Giants. That going back to an era when the Smallmen won World Series's and could compete with the Yankee$.

[Upton]

5. You're just envious

because the Giants have a rich history, whether it be in NY or SF..

Meanwhile, your pathetic Pirates are going on their 18th consecutive losing season. Look, I realize that with Pittsburgh being a small market team there are money constraints and all, but at least the Pirates' ownership could put forth an effort at trying to win...

[trumad]

9. Well again..

At least the Pirates have won a series for their Pitt fans.

Something your team has never done.

[El Supremo]

6. They haven't been able to decide themselves for a few years.

Somebody misused the right for monetary gain.

But I will always The Hawk as one of those in the great Cubs teams in the 80's.

[ProfessorGAC]

10. Really? That's Why They Changed It?

Sheesh! What tool did that? Ruined it for everyone else, i guess.
GAC

[Renew Deal]

7. Players had a preference until Wade Boggs signed a deal with the Devil Rays to go in as a Ray.

And it was changed after that.

[Iggo]

8. Yep. Wade Boggs ruined it for everybody. (n/t)

[ProfessorGAC]

11. Well, That Answered My Question Above

That'll teach me for not reading the whole thread first. Thanks.
GAC

[Renew Deal]

13. That's OK

I don't read the whole thread before posting and I like it that way. :D

[Captain Hilts]

14. Ah...I thought the player used to be able to choose. Too many 'sold' it, huh? nt

[SidDithers]

17. Wade Boggs?...

what a dick.

Here's a funny story about Boggs. Guess he was quite the beer drinker.

http://tastybooze.com/2007/04/the-origin-of-boggs/

From a radio conversation between Steve Sandmeyer and former pitcher Jeff Nelson

Sandy: Who would you say drank the most beer out of everyone you ever played with?

Nelson: Easy, Wade Boggs…..easy

Sandy: (laughing) Really!? Wade Boggs?

Nelson: Oh, yeah, without a doubt. I’ve never seen anyone drink as much beer as he did in my life:

Sandy: (laughing) Get outta here, alright, give me an example, like how much did he drink?

Nelson: Oh, I’d say, on a typical road trip, east coast to west coast , say a road game to Seattle……Wade would drink anywhere between 50 and 60 beers.

Sandy: NO WAY!! 50 or 60 beers. That is impossible.

Who knew? Rest of the interview at the link above.

Sid

[TZ]

12. I always thought he had his best years as an Expo

I did think you could choose though. huh.

[Captain Hilts]

15. Me too. A smaller park with a slower field would have been FAR easier to get better numbers

than cavernous Big O.

[El Supremo]

16. Didn't Gaylord Perry wear this at his induction?