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  • HALL OF FAME PRESIDENT Jeff Idelson poses with Andre Dawson and his Hall of Fame plaque during Sunday’s ceremony. Also pictured is Hall of Fame Chairwoman Jane Forbes Clark and baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Cheryl Clough

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July 29, 2010

Dawson has harsh words for steroid users

ERIC AHLQVIST THE COOPERSTOWN CRIER

COOPERSTOWN — Andre Dawson entered the Hall of Fame wearing a Montreal Expos cap on Sunday, but it was clear his heart was still in Chicago.

Dawson, the only electee from the Baseball Writers Association of America, was joined on the induction stage by former manager Whitey Herzog and longtime umpire Doug Harvey on a muggy, overcast afternoon.

After thanking Montreal and its fans for giving him his start in the game, Dawson pointed to the Chicago Cubs fans in attendance and thanked them for giving him a new start in the game.

``In 1987, I thought of giving this game up, but you were the wind beneath the Hawk’s wings,’’ Dawson, nicknamed, The Hawk, said.

Dawson won Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 1977 with the Expos, and played 10 years with Montreal before becoming a free agent after the 1986 season. But he was not highly sought after, finally signing with the Cubs for half of what he made in his final year with the Expos.

The contract turned out to be a steal for the Cubs, as Dawson went on to win Most Valuable Player honors with 49 home runs and 139 RBIs for the last place Cubs.

Two of Dawson’s former outfield teammates in Montreal, Warren Cromartie and Tim Raines, said Dawson is an even better person than he was a player.

``If you saw him from a distance he might seem scary or intimidating,’’ said Raines, who played with Dawson in the Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at Leatherstocking Golf Course on Saturday. ``But he’s actually very quiet and humble and would do anything for you.’’

Cromartie, who attended Sunday’s ceremony, said Dawson was one of his best friends and he was glad to see him finally recognized by the baseball writers.

``Andre always led by example,’’ Cromartie said. ``He was the first one to the ballpark every day and he played hard and to win every time out.’’

The theme of Dawson’s acceptance speech on Sunday was ``Love the game and it will love you back’’ a phrase he repeated on several occasions.

Dawson must have loved the game, enduring 12 knee surgeries during his career.

``He had to go through hell just to get on the field every day,’’ Raines said.

Dawson had strong words for those who have ``stained’’ the game by using steroids or performance enhancing drugs.

``Individuals have chosen the wrong road and they’re choosing that as their legacy,’’ Dawson said. ``It’s a stain on the game.’’

Dawson is the second Expos player inducted, joining former teammate Gary Carter.

Carter said at saturday’s Hall of Fame Golf Tournament that Dawson was the ``ultimate teammate.’’

Dawson said during his speech that Raines, who won a pair of World Series titles with the Yankees, also deserves a spot in Cooperstown.

Herzog, wearing a pinstriped suit, thanked three of his former players who were seated behind him _ George Brett, Ozzie Smith and Bruce Sutter _ for helping him gain election to the Hall.

``Without them I’d probably have spent my life digging ditches,’’ he said.

Herzog won three division titles with Brett and the Kansas City Royals in the 1970s, and three more with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1980s. He led the Cardinals to the World Series title in 1982.

Herzog was also the General Manager with the Cardinals, and stressed speed, defense and pitching, much like he did in Kansas City.

Herzog said his mentor was former Yankees and Mets manager Casey Stengel, who took him under his wing during his playing days with the Yankees.

``I don’t know why, but he knew I’d be a manager before I did,’’ Herzog said.

After thanking his family, including Mary Lou, his wife of 57 years, Herzog said he finally knew the answer to the question he’d been hearing all year: What’s it like to be a Hall of Famer?

``Being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York,’’ he said, his voice cracking with every word. ``Is like going to heaven before you die.’’

Harvey, whose speech was recorded because of his failing health, said he studied baseball’s rulebook for two hours a day and recommended anyone else associated with the game do the same.

Harvey worked five World Series and earned the nickname ``God’’ because of his air of authority while working games.

He praised his first crew chief, Al Barlick, and second, Jocko Conlon, both Hall of Famers, for their early guidance.

``Al told me `You better know the rules,’ and Conlon taught me the fun of umpiring,’’ Harvey said.

Also honored Sunday were ESPN baseball broadcaster Jon Miller with the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence, and longtime Daily News baseball writer Bill Madden with the J.G. Taylor Spink Award.

Miller was introduced by his broadcast partner and Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan. Madden said his mentor was another longtime Daily News writer and columnist, Dick Young.

Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark announced at the end of the ceremony that next year’s induction will be held on Sunday, July 24.

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