ANDRE DAWSON – MWWL HALL OF FAME BALLOT BIO
Andre “The Hawk” Dawson is unquestionably worthy of enshrinement in the Mid-West Winter League (MWWL) Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his decorated and powerful 20-season career. His impressive career totals place him among the MWWL’s most prolific offensive players, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Dawson’s career began and reached its peak with the Germantown Grays (1976–1986). He then played for the Manhattan Gas Hornets (1987–1990), followed by stints with the Steel City Sluggers (1991, 1992), the Flossmoor Flying Squirrels (1992, 1993, 1994), and concluded with the Michigan Marauders (1995).
His regular season totals are staggering: he amassed 2,220 Hits, 378 Home Runs, and 1,361 Runs Batted In (RBI) across 2,410 games. These power numbers are complemented by his exceptional defense, earning him six Gold Glove Outfielder awards (1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983).
Dawson was an MWWL All-Star nine times (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991), a testament to his consistent excellence. He also proved his clutch ability in the postseason. In the 1980 World Series, playing for the Germantown Grays, he batted .435 with 2 Home Runs and 6 RBI. He hit 6 home runs total across 17 World Series games, finishing his postseason career with a .338 Batting Average in the World Series. From his sustained power and run production to his consistent recognition as an elite defender, Dawson’s MWWL career is a model of all-around greatness, making him an obvious choice for the Hall of Fame.