The Keltner List

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1. Was he ever regarded as the best player in baseball? Did anybody, while he was active, ever suggest that he was the best player in baseball?

 

Probably not. Dawson was overlooked because he played for the Expos, and Mike Schmidt was a superior player.

 

2. Was he the best player on his team?

 

In 1981 for the Montreal Expos, and in 1987 for the Chicago Cubs. Otherwise he was overshadowed by Gary Carter, Ryne Sandberg, and Tim Raines.

 

3. Was he the best player in baseball at his position? Was he the best player in the league at his position?

 

Dawson was probably the best center fielder in baseball from 1980-81, and the best in the National League from 1978-81. And yes, that's CENTER field. People forget that Dawson spent half a career in center before moving to right.

 

4. Did he have an impact on a number of pennant races?

 

Dawson played regularly for two division winners, the 1981 Montreal Expos and the 1987 Chicago Cubs. However, Dawson hit poorly in the playoffs.

 

5. Was he good enough that he could play regularly after passing his prime?

 

Yes. Dawson played regularly until he was 38, and retired at 41.

 

6. Is he the very best baseball player in history who is not in the Hall of Fame?

 

No.

 

7. Are most players who have comparable statistics in the Hall of Fame?

 

Five of Dawson's ten most similar players are in the Hall, and the two most similar (Billy Williams and Tony Perez) are in.

 

8. Do the player's numbers meet Hall of Fame standards?

 

Yes. Dawson scores well on the Gray Ink and HOF Standards measures. He is also in the top 30 All-Time in home runs, RBIs, and Total Bases.

 

9. Is there any evidence to suggest that the player was significantly better or worse than is suggested by his statistics?

 

Yes. Dawson won eight Gold Gloves, four as a center fielder.

 

10. Is he the best player at his position who is eligible for the Hall of Fame?

 

You can make an argument. Its either Dawson, Dave Parker, or Tony Oliva.

 

11. How many MVP-type seasons did he have? Did he ever win an MVP award? If not, how many times was he close?

 

Dawson won an MVP in 1987, and was the runner up in 1980 and '83.

 

12. How many All-Star-type seasons did he have? How many All-Star games did he play in? Did most of the players who played in this many All-Star games go into the Hall of Fame?

 

Dawson played in eight All-Star games.

 

13. If this man were the best player on his team, would it be likely that the team could win the pennant?

 

Yes.

 

14. What impact did the player have on baseball history? Was he responsible for any rule changes? Did he introduce any new equipment? Did he change the game in any way?

 

Andre Dawson challenged collusion by producing a blank contract to the Cubs, and daring them to sign him.

 

15. Did the player uphold the standards of sportsmanship and character that the Hall of Fame, in its written guidelines, instructs us to consider?

 

Yes. Andre Dawson was considered a class act.

 

Conclusion: I think Dawson deserves the Hall. His excellent years are forgotten since he played in Montreal, but he was truly an exceptional player. In addition to the power, he stole 314 bases in his career. So we have a power hitting outfielder, who played Gold Glove defense and could steal a base or two. I say he's in.