In 1987 Andre Dawson was trying to find a new home after several years playing for the Expos. He was focused squarely on the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, however, thought they had
an outfielder and did not care to sign Dawson. Dawson gave them a blank contract. The general manager of the Cubs gave him a $500k contract (which was actually pretty good money in those days). He also wrote a bonus stipulation into the contract. Dawson would earn another $250k if he made the All-Star Team, Started for the All-Star Team, and if he got the MVP. He did all three.
Think of the players today that could do that for a bonus today. There aren’t many, and they are all headed for the Hall of Fame, as is Andre Dawson.
The Hawk was a true 5-tool player. Just look at the numbers he put up:
Average: .279
Hits: 2774
Home Runs: 438
RBIs: 1591
Stolen Bases: 314
Gold Gloves: 8
All-Star Games: 8
Rookie of the Year (1997), Most Valuable Player (1987)
Just in case you were wondering, that is what Hall of Fame stats look like.
