by Tim Delamatter

Created on: July 30, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Andre Dawson as a Hall of Famer. I loved the Hawk the first time he stepped in the box at Wrigley wearing the Cubs uni. I would love to say that he should be there hands down, no questions asked, period.

I think the reason he isn't, is because of the player who already are. He has good numbers, but the fielders of his era have better. There are too many in the same class as the Hawk. There are Dave Parker, Jim Rice, Dale Murphy, Dwight Evans, Dave Winfield, and Kirby Puckett.

Out of all those names it would be difficult to say one was more deserving than another. All these outfielders made their teams great and were consistent talents. I believe the Hall of Fame ballots are very good in showing how hard it is to pick the right person.

I think every year there are people who are no-brainers, like this year and Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn. Beyond these first ballot guys, there should be one player of the ilk of Ron Santo, Andre Dawson, or Dave Parker who should be inducted as well. It will change the whole specter of balloting I know but these men need to be honored.

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