If you haven’t already, take the time to read the transcript of the BBWAA conference call interview with Andre Dawson after the announcement of his selection to the Hall of Fame. It’s a good read.
During the interview, he spoke at length about his family especially his mother and his grandmother, Eunice Taylor, who he considered a “mentor”.
Dawson seemed to have a high opinion of playing in Chicago and of the Chicago fans:
I just went out and said I was going to have fun. The fans embraced me from day one of spring training. And I think even though I pressed a little bit at the outset, I hit a grand slam home run that kind of got me going.
And from there, you know, things just started to happen on a daily basis. But for the most part of the six years that I was there, I really enjoyed the reception, the fact that I had an opportunity to play amongst fans who really didn’t put any pressure on you, you know.
Plus he had great comment about one of my favorite baseball people:
Don Zimmer always would make the comment, get here early and don’t really go out and do something that would embarrass the fans.
Something else about the interview struck me too. Something that some people might appreciate more than others:
Andre Dawson: Okay, thank you.
…
Andre Dawson: You’re welcome.
…
Andre Dawson: Thank you.
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Andre Dawson: Thank you, sir.
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Andre Dawson: Thank you.
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Andre Dawson: Thank you.
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Andre Dawson: Thank you, (Ian).
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Andre Dawson: Hi Toni. Thank you.
etc, etc..
you get the idea. Grandmother raised him right.