Chicago Cubs: Andre Dawson reportedly rejoining organization

The Chicago Cubs will reportedly be adding a familiar name to their organization, as Andre Dawson appears to be returning to the team.

Andre “The Hawk” Dawson is making his way back to Chicago. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Dawson will be rejoining the Chicago Cubs organization in some capacity. It is not known what specific role Dawson will be assuming.

Marlins’ new ownership taking an axe to things

The Miami Marlins’ new brain trust, led by Derek Jeter, rubbed more than a few folks the wrong way of-late. The ownership group opted to cut the salaries of not only Dawson, but Jeff Conine, Jack McKeon and Tony Perez, and all subsequently decided to leave.

"Just as Jeff Conine told us he was turning down Jeter’s unappealing offer to stay with the team, Tony Perez told FanRag Sports that he and Andre Dawson rejected Jeter’s offer to stay with the Marlins with diminished responsibilities and a pay cut from $100,000 to $25,000."

For the Cubs, they get a fan-favorite back on the North Side. Of course, the bulk of Dawson’s career was spent with the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals), but his six seasons with the Cubs were arguably his best. He signed with the Cubs after becoming a free agent in 1986.

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In 1987, his first year with the team, Dawson earned  National League MVP honors. He slashed

.287/.328/.568 with 49 home runs and 137 RBI, both career highs. Dawson was also named an All-Star his first five seasons with the Cubs.

Despite repeated struggles with knee injuries, Dawson played in the majors for 21 years, playing for four different teams until he was 41 years old. The Hall of Fame inducted ‘The Hawk’ in 2010.

Shortly after retiring from his playing career, Dawson accepted a position with the Marlins, known then as the Florida Marlins. So he does have front office experience under his belt as he returns to the Friendly Confines.

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Regardless of the role he occupies, the North Siders will no-doiubt welcome him back with a warm embrace. Dawson is one of the Chicago Cubs’ all-time greats and a fan-favorite during his time with the team.