Chicago Cubs: The underrated Andre Dawson

In the discussion of the greatest players in MLB history, Andre Dawson is generally overlooked. That should not be the case.

When teams imagine the type of player they want, the five tool prospect comes to mind. A player that can hit for power and average, with excellent speed, brilliant defense, and an incredible arm. Those players capture the minds of teams and fans alike, and litter the ranks of the greatest players of all time. Former Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos star Andre Dawson was that type of player.

He was certainly well regarded during his career. Dawson was named the 1977 NL Rookie of the Year and took home the 1987 NL MVP. He was an eight time All Star, won eight Gold Glove awards, and took home four Silver Sluggers.

As one would expect, Dawson put together an impressive stat line during his career. Over his 21 years in the majors, he produced a .279/.323/.482 batting line, hitting 503 doubles and 438 homers. He also stole 314 bases, making him one of only eight players in major league history to join the 300-300 club.

Even with those accolades, and his impressive stat line, Dawson remains overlooked in baseball history. Perhaps it is due to the start of his career being spent with the Expos, who were generally overlooked despite some talented rosters. Had the Expos been able to reach the World Series in 1981, it is possible that Dawson would have the stature that he deserves.

By the time he had signed with the Cubs, Dawson was not that same all around star. While he still possessed his impressive power, his speed was all but gone. Those years of playing on the rock hard surface of the Olympic Stadium had taken its toll, ruining his knees and sapping him of his speed.

Those days with the Cubs are usually how Dawson is remembered. He was still a solid player, an excellent run producer and a key member of their lineup, but he was not the player he used to be. Had Dawson began his career in Chicago, or had his knees not betrayed him, he may well have been remembered as one of the best players in the history of the game.

And that is what Andre Dawson was. Although he is generally overlooked these days, he was one of the greatest players of his time.