Player: Andre Dawson
Set: 1977 Topps
Card Number: 473
Why is This Card a Must Have?: Hawk should be in the Hall of Fame. How come we all know this and he isn’t in? He has a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP, 8 All Star appearances, 438 career homers, 2774 hits, and 314 stolen bases. He was one of the most feared hitters in baseball from 1980 – 1992. He was cranking 40 homer seasons, when no one else was. Of his top 10 most compatible players on Baseball Reference, 5 are in the Hall of Fame, three aren’t eligible yet (but should get in) and two, Dave Parker and Dwight Evans, have legitimate chances to get in. He was one of the very few 5 tool players, who played in the 80s. The only other player that comes close to what he was capable of was Rickey Henderson. Rickey, however was not as good a power hitter as Hawk. All I can tell you is, that in the early to mid 80s, Dawson was the man, you never wanted to have to face him with the game on the line. A very clutch hitter.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Is This Card?: A 9, it would be a 10 if he made the Hall. The truth is though, he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in the 80s, anyone that can claim that is an automatic 9+ in my book. Sadly you can get this card on eBay for $1 – $3.
Yes, Yes, and Yes!!! I have 2 of these cards and am always looking for more. Dawson is my favorite player from the 1980′s and I hope that this is finally his year to get into Cooperstown!! Great Card!!!
The fact that Andre isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet is a Travesty. Of course I can think of at least four other travesties, make that five… ok seven travesties off the top of my head so what are you gonna do.