I don’t intend to say bad things and not necessarily nice things either. You undoubtedly know that the Expos have played an important role in my life. This week Andre Dawson sent a letter to the president of the Baseball Hall of Fame asking her to replace his Montreal Expos cap on his plaque with that of the Chicago Cubs. Do I feel betrayed or just hurt by what Andre Dawson did?
My first reaction was deception and his decision particularly hurt me. I still remember his first steps at the Expos and especially his success at the Quebec Carnivals.
His exciting career with the Expos shaped the history of baseball in Quebec. He seemed to fly into the outfield to make electrifying catches.
You had to see the “Hawk” going around the gates, running faster than his shadow. Andre, your decision hurts Expos fans.
Let’s analyze Andre’s decision and try to better understand his feelings.
Was the Expo management fair to him? When he became a free agent, the Expos didn’t even offer him a $500,000 contract. Yes you’ve read correctly. He eventually signed with the Cubs.
Whose choice is it?
These days, it’s rare for a baseball player to play on the same team his entire career. However, the Hall of Fame still determines the choice of team cap that the inductee must wear.
I repeat: the choice lies with the leaders of the temple.
Unfortunately, Montreal is the only city that lost a major baseball franchise without being able to replace it.
What I’m writing now still hurts my heart. The majority of those under 14 have no idea about the history of the Expos and even less about the superstars who were part of the Montreal team.
How many of these young people know that Youppi! started his career with the Expos and not the Canadiens? Plus, if it hadn’t been for the Canadian, yay! would rest in the depths of the Olympic Stadium.
A sorrow
A Hall of Famer is recognized for his achievements as a player, coach or designer, regardless of the team he played for. Does a contractor who is elected to the Hall of Fame wear a wool jacket in his team’s colors? NO !
During his introduction, Dawson told Hall executives that he disliked their decision to impose the Expos cap on his plaque.
The Expos remain in the hearts of the people who knew them well. Several parks have been named in Gary Carter’s honor.
I spent two years fighting with Montreal city leaders to have the western part of Faillon Street, which runs along Jarry Park, named in honor of Carter.
The other players, including Andre Dawson, like the Expos, will unfortunately be but a vague memory in Quebec’s collective memory 30 years from now.
However, Andre wants to be recognized with the Chicago Cubs cap forever. His decision is understandable. Despite the controversy this may raise, he is right.
However, the selection of Andre Dawson is a huge heartbreak for the Expos, dear ones.