Is Andre Dawson a Hall of Famer? One yes vote

December 28, 4:27 PMMLB ExaminerTony DeMarco

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Andre Dawson keeps getting closer. 

In seven years on the Hall of Fame ballot, his vote percentage totals steadily have climbed, starting at a respectable 45.3 percent in 2002 and peaking last year at 65.9 -- only 9.1 percentage points and 50 votes short of election.

 History shows that when you get that close, you eventually get in. And it will be rightfully so in this case. This election may not be that time for 'The Hawk', but it's not far off.

First, the long list of positives: One of only six players with 300-plus homers and 300-plus steals (438 and 314). The only eligible player with more than 1,000 extra-base hits who hasn't been voted in. One MVP and three other top-seven finishes, and a Rookie of the Year award.

Here's more: He's 45th all-time in hits (2,770), 45th in doubles (503), 36th in homers, 30th in RBI (1,591), 23rd in extra-base hits(1,039)  -- all on knees that endured a dozen surgeries, in part due to the unforgiving turf in Montreal, where he played the first 11 years of a 21-year career.

As with every player whose candidacy lingers, there are drawbacks. Here, we're talking about a .279 career batting average and .323 on-base percentage. Those particular numbers don't evoke Hall of Fame thoughts. Neither does a slim post-season resume. 

But over a 16-year period (1977-92), his average season was .282, 25 homers, 89 RBI,  28 doubles, 19 steals. Throw in an 11-year span (1980-91) with eight All-Star selections and eight Gold Glove Awards, and that's a long period of consistent excellence, with many moments of dominance along the way.

ANOTHER YES VOTE

AN MLB.COM PROFILE OF DAWSON

 PHOTO CREDIT: AndreDawson8.com

CHECK OUT CUBS EXAMINER MIRIAM ROMAIN