Sunday, June 16, 2013

Montreal Expos x Andre Dawson [1980-1986]


Welcome back to my first June entry for Jersey Sunday. On display is a Cooperstown Majestic Montreal Expos Andre Dawson road uniform. The logo on the front is embroidered in wool felt material with the numbers and letters sewn on in single coloured tackle twill. Much thanks to Pickering Pro Image for the custom work.


A very simple jersey, but definitely a classy one. Purchased as a blank, I was debating to which player I wanted crested onto the back. I ultimately chose to go with a Montreal legend with The Hawk.


This New Era snapback was purchased shortly after I won the jersey online. A very classic look when thrown together from top to bottom.


Born 10 July 1954 in Miami, Florida, Andre Nolan Dawson was selected in the 11th round in the 1975 MLB Draft as the 250th pick for the Montreal Expos and made his professional debut on 11 September 1976. But it wasn't until the 1977 season, he became a regular outfielder for his club. With a .282 batting average and belting 19 home runs, he was awarded the 1977 NL Rookie of the Year Award. He would later become a multiple All-Star, Gold Glover winner, and Silver Slugger Awardee with his first 6 seasons with the team and become a franchise leader in many of their offensive categories.


He was a key component in the 1981 season when the Expos captured the National League East Division crown and advanced to the NL Championship. One of his significant accomplishments was becoming one of two palyers to homer twice in one inning on 24 September 1985 against his next ball team; the Chicago Cubs.


In 1987, bad knees had the free agent outfielder sign with a team that plays in a stadium with natural grass. He would dawn a jersey of the Chicago Cubs at the start of the season but would have them end the year with a last place finish in the National League. However, it was one of his greatest seasons earning him an All-Star Game appearance and the 1987 NL MVP Award. To date, he is the only player with that honour for a last place franchise.


After 5 years in The Windy City, he played for four more seasons [2 each with the Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins] before retiring in 1996. Shortly afterwards, he took up a management position with the Florida Marlins and recieved his first World Series Championship ring in 2003. He is still part of the organization after they moved to his hometown of Miami. In 2010, he was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his 9th ballot.


Career Highlights and Awards:
1977 NL Rookie of the Year, 1987 NL MVP, 8x NL All-Star [1981-83, 1987-91], 8x Gold Glove Winner [1980-85, 1987-88], 4x Silver Slugger Award [1980-81, 1983, 1987], 1994 Hutch Award, 1987 Home Run Derby Winner, 2003 World Series Champion, 2010 Cooperstown Hall of Fame Inductee, jersey #10 retired by the Montreal Expos in his honour



"I've always seen myself as an Expo." - Andre Dawson

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