Cubs Hall of Famer Andre Dawson finally gets his wish after waiting for years

Now 71 years old, Chicago Cubs legend Andre Dawson is coming up the 30-year anniversary of the last time he appeared in an MLB game. But over those three decades, the love Cubs fans have for him has only grown. And, now, years after initially making the request, the National Baseball Hall of Fame is allowing him to have his plaque re-cast without a team logo.

Why does that matter to Dawson or the generation of Cubs faithful who supported him in the right-field bleachers? Because, to this point, his plaque has featured a Montreal Expos' cap, a decision that Cooperstown made when he was inducted into the Hall back in 2010.

To be clear, at that time, blank caps weren't an option - so the Hall of Fame chose an Expos hat for Dawson, given he spent more than half of his 21-year career in Montreal, winnning Rookie of the Year honors, earning three All-Star selections, a trio of Silver Slugger Awards and a half-dozen Gold Gloves - not to mention a pair of MVP runner-up finishes.

Andre Dawson has always shared a unique, personal bond with Cubs fans

In 2023, Dawson asked to have his plaque changed to feature him in a Cubs hat and, since then, it seemed very unlikely his wishes would be honored - and even though the Hall of Fame's response fell short of that ask, the 1987 National League MVP is at peace.

“I always felt that I was a Cub in the Hall of Fame. I just had the ‘M’ on the cap,” Dawson told MLB.com “That’s what I always related to. That’s where my heart was, even though I was six years a Cub. It means everything. It means I finally had the opportunity to provide my input.”

During his six years in Chicago, Dawson cemented himself as an elite player - and a fan favorite. He won MVP in his first year with the team, starting a run of five-straight All-Star selections, as well as another Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award. 'The Hawk' loved the Bleacher Bums in right field and he loved them right back.

“It was just a love affair with the fans in right field,” Dawson said. “Andre’s Army. That’s what is most enjoyable about the game. That’s what you play the game for – for the fans. And the way they embraced me, it goes beyond what my wildest expectations would’ve been.”