In the modern era, where players move around from team to team with regularity, the discussion of which cap a player will wear when he enters the Hall of Fame is sure to become an increasingly divisive one. Andre Dawson didn’t play many of his seasons in that era, but there’s still a decision to be made: Chicago Cubs or Montreal Expos?
The Hall of Fame will meet with Andre Dawson to discuss the issue of which cap he will wear in Cooperstown. Dawson played 11 seasons with the Expos, six with the Cubs. The HOF decides, with the player’s input. When asked on Wednesday, Dawson said he was going to enjoy the moment and settle the issue of the cap later.
I covered Dawson in 1987 when he arrived in Chicago. He had his best days with the Cubs. During an interview before Christmas with me, Dawson was asked which cap he’d prefer to wear into Cooperstown.
“I think you know the answer to that,” he said, chuckling. “And for a lot of obvious and personal reasons.” Muskat Ramblings.
Obviously we hope that the Hawk enters the Hall as a Cub, and it sounds like he hopes so, too. Historically, however, the Hall of Fame has indicated a desire to have players come in as members of underrepresented teams – like the Expos. Dawson played almost twice as many seasons with the Expos than he did with the Cubs, so it would be no surprise to learn that the HOF is pushing for an Expo cap.
We’ll just have to see.