By Fan Arch August 05, 2024 04:46
Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images
The name Andre Dawson resonates across Major League Baseball (MLB) as a model of excellence, both on the field and at Florida A&M University (FAMU). From a young boy in Miami to a college Hall of Famer, Dawson was the definition of student-athlete at Florida A&M, and his remarkable success story underscores the importance historically black colleges (HBCUs) like FAMU play in advancing African American athletes on their journeys. This article explores Dawson's time at Florida A&M, his journey as a pro baller, what the school means to baseball, and how FAMU has influenced its ecosphere and alums.
The Path of Andre Dawson at Florida A&M
Old Aspirations and College Career
As a boy, Andre Dawson was amazed by the love and culture of Florida A&M. A Miami native, Dawson, attended the 1959 and 1960 Orange Blossom Classic games in which Florida A&M's football team participated. The thrill of the games and a little nudging from his uncle, Bob Hayes, who was an alum and former Rattler cornerback, helped create a strong desire within Dawson to become a Rattler. Early on, Dawson said he expressed interest in attending FAMU to play baseball with his father and that "it's in my blood."
Dawson walked on and joined Florida A&M's baseball team in 1973, a solid testimony to his grit and ability. Instead, already known for his quiet and well-mannered demeanor at the time of hire on June 11, he quickly became a household name. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Costa "Pop" Kittles, Dawson developed and blossomed. He was highlighted in his college days, guiding the Rattlers to notable wins and registering three victories over the number-one-ranked University of Miami.
Achievements and Recognition
During Dawson's tenure at FAMU, the department celebrated several accolades. He was best known for his gaudy numbers, consistently among the league leaders in doubles per game and slugging percentage throughout nearly that span. It paid off, earning him a scholarship and establishing his spot on the team that would catapult him to earn his pay from baseball.
Dawson's impact on college baseball was honored in 2019, when he was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. This not only recognized his personal journey but also emphasized the importance of FAMU in the landscape of NCAA athletics.
Shaping a Professional Career
Development and Training
Dawson's college days at Florida A&M were formative for his young career in professional baseball. He said that FAMU's demanding training and competitive environment helped mold him into a force that was ready for all the Major Leagues had to offer. Dawson said Kittles instilled the fundamentals of line play, which he took with him through his illustrious career. His experience at FAMU taught him to put in the work and encouraged excellence, which would carry with him throughout his career.
Dawson battled into MLB. But the transition from amateur to professional wasn't easy, he said, after being drafted in 1976 by the Montreal Expos. But the tools and lessons he picked up at FAMU helped him survive. He quickly exploded as a key contributor for the Expos, winning National League Rookie of the Year in 1977 and later the National League MVP nearly ten years later (1987).
His Legacy in Major League Baseball
Dawson played 21 seasons in MLB and was one of just five players to hit over 400 home runs and steal over 300 bases, winning eight Gold Gloves. An eight-time All-Star and recipient of eight Gold Glove awards, his resume has vaulted him into the discussion for best player in baseball. His success made him a household name and put Florida A&M on the map as more than just one of college baseball's best-kept secrets.
Role in Baseball History Florida A&M
Producing Talented Players
Florida A&M University has a history of turning out great baseball players who have left their mark on the world in many ways. Rattlers baseball has had a number of players go on to professional jobs, such as MLB All-Stars Mudcat Grant and Hal McRae before Dawson. While still facing challenges with funding and facilities, the university's commitment to athletics continues to allow it to remain competitive among HBCUs.
The Rattlers have prospered under the leadership of current head coach Jamey Shouppe, capturing several conference championships and earning bids to the NCAA tournament. Dawson-era values, such as a focus on skill development and family-style team culture, are the same as those echoed by Shouppe.
Importance for African Americans
Not only did FAMU impact mere individuals, but the school also played a huge role in African American interest in baseball. The legacy Dak began at HBCU fuses with the larger story of HBCUs and sports, which offer a stage for athletes who may not get open doors through predominantly white institutions. Dawson's dedication to mentoring current players while still willing to give back locally epitomizes this legacy.
Cultural and Social Impact
The Supporters and Advocates
Florida A&M and men like Dawson have had a cultural imprint extending beyond their alma mater's hallowed halls. Dawson has advocated for greater participation among African Americans in the sport, promoting additional resources and backing HBCU programs. In other initiatives, he has backed the Andre Dawson Classic, which features games between historically black HBCU colleges and university baseball programs to help grow the game with underrepresented players.
Andre Dawson's path from Florida A&M University to the Majors is a poignant example of how Historically Black Colleges and Universities profoundly touched black athletes' lives. All that he achieved as a player and continues to do in support of his alma mater speaks volumes about FAMU's impact on the national scale. The legacy of Florida A&M is increased as Dawson continues to have such a positive impact on the next generations.
SHOP Mystery Signed Memorabilia
-
Mystery Signed Football 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Football Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
MLB
The Legacy of Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Col...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Aug 06, 2024
MLB
Sandy Koufax: How Columbia Shaped a Baseball Le...
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Aug 02, 2024
MLB
The top 10 Worst MLB Coaches of All-Time
By Edcel Panganiban
Thu, Aug 01, 2024
MLB
Bryce Miller: Professional Baseball Pitcher Mak...
By Oliver Wiener
Fri, Aug 02, 2024
MLB
How many Wild Card Teams Make it to the MLB Pla...
By Arslan Saleem
Thu, Aug 01, 2024
MLB
When is the MLB Trade Deadline?
By Edcel Panganiban
Thu, Aug 01, 2024
MLB
What is Bob Costas' Annual Salary?
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
The top 10 Best Strikeout Pitchers in MLB History
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
The top 5 Worst MLB Trade Deadline Trades of Al...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
The top 5 Best MLB Trade Deadline Trades of All...
By Fan Arch
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
What is Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s Net Worth?
By Fan Arch
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
What is David Ortiz's Net Worth?
By Fan Arch
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
What is Manny Ramirez's Net Worth?
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
What is Jeff Kent's Net Worth?
By Jason Bolton
Wed, Jul 31, 2024
MLB
The Top 10 MLB Coaches of the 1980s
By Jason Bolton
Tue, Jul 30, 2024
MLB
Top 10 MLB Catchers of the 1950s
By Edcel Panganiban
Mon, Jul 29, 2024
MLB
Home Run Love Story: Derek and Hannah Jeter's J...
By Arslan Saleem
Mon, Jul 29, 2024
MLB
What is Mike Piazza's Net Worth?
By Oliver Wiener
Mon, Jul 29, 2024
MLB
National Pro Fastpitch: Examining the Challenge...
By Oliver Wiener
Sat, Jul 27, 2024
MLB
What is Gerrit Cole's Net Worth?
By Jocelyn Alano
Sat, Jul 27, 2024
MLB
What Happened to Mike Vitar?
By Fan Arch
Wed, Jun 19, 2024
MLB
The Evolving Eras of Baseball: A Comprehensive ...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, Jul 24, 2024
MLB
The Upton Brothers: A Tale of Two Baseball Careers
By Arslan Saleem
Tue, Jul 23, 2024
MLB
The Top 10 MLB Shortstops of the 1950s
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 23, 2024
MLB
Who are the Biggest Party Animals in MLB?
By Jason Bolton
Sun, Jun 23, 2024
MLB
What is Billy Beane's Net Worth in 2024?
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
MLB
Exploring Sammy Sosa's Origins: Unveiling His B...
By Fan Arch
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
MLB
Are Edmundo Sosa and Sammy Sosa Related?
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
MLB
What Are the Top 10 Worst MLB Jerseys of All-Time?
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, Jul 18, 2024
MLB
Jarren Duran Shines Bright on Baseball's Bigges...
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, Jul 18, 2024
MLB
Will the Yankees Land Ace Garrett Crochet in a ...
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, Jul 18, 2024
MLB
Ranking the Best of Baseball: Top 10 Canadian M...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 17, 2024
MLB
The Ultimate MLB Player Rankings: Top 10 Domin...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 17, 2024
MLB
An In-Depth Look: Chris Sale's Incredible Comeb...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 16, 2024
MLB
MLB Legacies: Who Are the Top 10 Oldest MVPs in...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 16, 2024
MLB
The Mid Summer Classic: The Top 10 Best MLB All...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 16, 2024
MLB
Incredible MLB Power Surge: The Top 10 Best Hom...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 16, 2024
MLB
A Comprehensive Analysis: Top 10 CFL Running Ba...
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jul 15, 2024
MLB
A Comprehensive List: Ranking the Top 10 Greate...
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jul 15, 2024
MLB
The top 10 Rookie Seasons in MLB History
By Keith Mado
Fri, Jun 28, 2024
MLB
Derek Jeter: Beyond the Game - A Look at His Di...
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Jul 12, 2024
MLB
Who is the Winningest Coach in Yankees History?
By Keith Mado
Fri, Jul 12, 2024
MLB
What Happened To Baltimore Orioles Star Chris D...
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
MLB
The Top 10 MLB Prospects of 2024: A Comprehensi...
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
MLB
Sammy Sosa's Skin Transformation: Unraveling th...
By Keith Mado
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
MLB
A Comprehensive Analysis: Who Are the Top 10 Je...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 10, 2024
MLB
Fred McGriff: Top 5 Most Expensive Baseball Cards
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 09, 2024
MLB
The Top 10 MLB Closers of All-Time
By Edcel Panganiban
Tue, Jul 09, 2024
MLB
How Did Ken Griffey Jr. Get His Nickname "The K...
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jul 05, 2024
More Stories
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK