Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Andre Dawson

Known for his great heart and determination, legendary Chicago Cubs outfielder Andrew Dawson never met a challenge he wasn’t ready to overcome.

Determination made Andre Dawson a great talent in Chicago Cubs lore. It pushed him to come back from more than a dozen knee operations. Throughout not only his career, but his life, it made him strive to not be overlooked by naysayers. Determination made Andre Dawson into a Hall of Fame player.

A prodigious athlete at his Miami high school, Dawson excelled at both baseball and football, despite playing against kids multiple years his senior. His football career hit a hard stop when he suffered his first knee injury. The trainers insisted it was only a strained ligament, but it proved to be much worse. He was soon diagnosed with torn cartilage and ligaments, requiring the first of many knee surgeries to come.

Not letting a knee injury hinder his athleticism, Dawson focused on baseball. He had a knack for great focus at the plate. Due to this, his uncle became calling him by a nickname – “The Hawk.”