Greatest Moment in Marlins History: #38 Hawk the Hall of Famer

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; MLB former player Andre Dawson hits a home run during the 2013 All Star Legends and Celebrity softball game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moment in Marlins History. When a player retires they often branch out to other ventures. Whether it’s coaching, owning a business, becoming a color analyst, or even into politics, the one thing they all wait for is that call five years after they retire. The call of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Some wait only five years, others can wait for up to 20 years before they get the call (baseball writers’ votes). Moment 38’s Hall of Famer waited 14 years to get his call (9 on the ballot and 5 after retirement). Today we are bringing you Andre Dawson’s Hall of Fame day, the first Marlin in the Hall of Fame.

Yes, Andre did not go into the Hall of Fame as a Marlin; however the plaque in the Hall of Fame does have the Florida Marlins’ name on it so he is the first Marlin in the Hall of Fame. Andre signed with the Marlins on April 10, 1995 and played 2 seasons with the fish before retiring a Marlin after the 1996 season. On January 6, 2010 at 11 am MLB announced that the writers voted in Andre with 77.9% of the vote! He had his ticket to Cooperstown! On July 25, 2010 Andre was forever enshrined in the Hall. In his speech he also thanked the Marlins for “giving me the chance to experience both playing and working at home”. He might have an Expos hat on his shrine but we know that Andre is also a Marlin!

Who will be the next Marlin in the Hall of Fame? My bet is Mike Piazza, how about you? Speaking about Piazza, join me tomorrow for a moment that involves his former team, the San Diego Padres.