Andre Dawson’s Hall of Fame Plaque Change Announced
In a significant development for baseball fans, the Baseball Hall of Fame has confirmed that Andre Dawson’s plaque will be recast to feature a blank cap instead of the Montreal Expos logo. This change, which reflects Dawson’s personal preference, was announced on March 11, 2026, and marks a notable moment in the history of the Hall of Fame.
Dawson, who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010, expressed a desire for his plaque to represent the Chicago Cubs, the team with which he felt a stronger connection despite spending the first 11 years of his career with the Expos. The Hall of Fame Board of Directors voted unanimously to grant Dawson the option of a blank cap, a choice that was not available at the time of his election.
During his illustrious career, Dawson achieved remarkable success, including winning the National League MVP award in 1987 while playing for the Cubs. He is an eight-time All-Star and won the Rookie of the Year award in 1977. His career statistics are impressive, boasting a batting average of .279, with 438 home runs and 1,591 RBIs.
In a statement, Dawson remarked, “I always felt that I was a Cub in the Hall of Fame. I just had the ‘M’ on the cap.” This sentiment underscores his long-standing preference for the Cubs, which he reiterated in 2023 when he requested the change to his plaque.
Jane Forbes Clark, a representative of the Hall of Fame, stated, “The Hall of Fame Board of Directors voted unanimously to provide Andre Dawson with the option of having no logo on his Hall of Fame plaque, which will be recast to reflect his wishes.” This decision highlights the Hall’s commitment to honoring the preferences of its inductees.
Dawson’s request to change his plaque to represent the Cubs stems from his belief that he had a deeper connection to the team, despite his significant tenure with the Expos. He noted, “I just felt my preference all along was as a Cub, despite playing [11] years in Montreal.”
The recasting of Dawson’s plaque will not include any other changes besides the logo, ensuring that his accomplishments and legacy remain intact while aligning with his wishes. The decision has been met with positive reactions from fans and former teammates alike, who appreciate the Hall’s responsiveness to Dawson’s request.
As the baseball community prepares for this update, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of players like Dawson, whose contributions to the sport continue to resonate with fans across generations.
