Rattler Great Andre Dawson Receives Florida Governor’s Medal of Freedom
Hall of Famer and former FAMU walk-on honored at the Florida Capitol
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis presented the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the Governor can bestow on a Floridian, to Baseball Hall of Famer and proud Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Andre “The Hawk” Dawson at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
Dawson, a Miami native and standout outfielder for the Rattlers from 1972-75, becomes the latest recipient of the honor. FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., offered remarks on behalf of the university.
“Today, I was proud to present the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Baseball Hall of Famer and great Floridian Andre Dawson. His distinguished career in Major League Baseball, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact on our state have earned him this award,” said Governor DeSantis. “‘The Hawk’ has represented Florida in the best possible way for decades. His generous support of FAMU and its baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes succeed. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor I can bestow on any Floridian, and Andre Dawson truly deserves this recognition.”
Andre "The Hawk" Dawson shared remarks expressing his gratitude for the honor and
to FAMU. (Photo by Jeff Adams/FAMU)
Established in 2020 under Section 14.35, Florida Statutes, the Governor’s Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to Florida, its citizens or its culture. Legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden was the inaugural recipient on April 7, 2021.
“You never get too old to be humbled,” said Dawson during his acceptance speech. “This is phenomenal. I can’t express how grateful and gratifying it is because it’s been a journey. And I couldn’t have made this journey without certain individuals who made a huge impact in my life that were mentors of mine. But again, this is just very humbling for me because of the meaning of this particular award.”
After graduating from Southwest Miami Senior High School, Dawson enrolled at FAMU in 1972 and played for the late Head Coach Costa “Pop” Kittles. He earned All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) honors and led the team in hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs in 1974 and 1975. The Montreal Expos selected him in the 1975 MLB Draft.
FAMU Board Trustee Roderick Harris, Governor Ron Desantis, Andre "The Hawk" Dawson
and President Marva B. Johnson (Photo by Jeff Adams/FAMU)
"The journey of Andre 'The Hawk' Dawson, the first FAMU alumnus inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, is a powerful testament to what determination, discipline and opportunity make possible. He came to Florida A&M University as a walk-on and, under our legendary coach, Costa 'Pop' Kittles, earned a scholarship and became a standout Rattler," said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. "Today, we celebrate a Floridian whose accomplishments elevated the game of baseball, inspired generations of athletes and brought tremendous pride to Florida A&M University. Mr. Dawson has shown every Rattler, on the field and off, that greatness is measured by how far you go, and how you carry yourself along the way."
Dawson went on to a 21-season Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Montreal Expos (1976-86), Chicago Cubs (1987-92), Boston Red Sox (1993-94) and Florida Marlins (1995-96).
His career highlights include:
- Hall of Fame induction: Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 25, 2010.
- Power and speed: He finished with 438 home runs, 2,774 hits, 1,591 RBIs, 314 stolen bases and a .279 batting average, and is one of five players in MLB history with at least 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases.
- 1977 National League Rookie of the Year with the Montreal Expos.
- 1987 National League MVP with the Chicago Cubs, leading the league with 49 home runs and 137 RBIs.
- Eight-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner and four-time Silver Slugger Award
winner.
Other accolades include his No. 10 retired by the Montreal Expos and membership in
the Expos Hall of Fame, the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame, the Washington Nationals Ring
of Honor and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2019.
In retirement, Dawson has remained a champion for HBCU baseball. In 2018, MLB renamed its annual HBCU showcase the Andre Dawson Classic, which airs on MLB Network. Dawson released his autobiography, If You Love This Game: An MVP’s Life in Baseball, in May 2012.
“When you talk about a person, not just a baseball player – a person, like Andre Dawson, you speak of greatness on the field, in life, and so much more,” expressed FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics John F. Davis. “He represents everything it means to be a Rattler. He has determination. He has grit. And he has excellence throughout every fiber of his being. I am so proud of him receiving this award from Governor DeSantis, and I can’t think of anyone more worthy of this honor and achievement.”
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Media Contacts:
Alonda Thomas, Ph.D.
Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu
Bryan J. Harvey, Senior Assoc. A.D./External Relations
bryan.harvey@famu.edu
850.599.3354 (office)
www.FAMUathletics.com
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