Andre Dawson NL MVP Award (1987)
A lone warrior on ice, the Hawk soared to the only MVP in Cubs history.
The 1987 National League Most Valuable Player Award stands as a singular beacon of individual excellence in Chicago Cubs history, awarded to outfielder Andre Dawson during a season defined by sheer will and physical adversity. Known affectionately as 'The Hawk,' Dawson delivered a historic campaign where he led the league in home runs and RBIs despite playing on a severely injured knee that required him to slide into bases with his legs wrapped in ice packs and braces. This award remains the only MVP in franchise history, cementing Dawson's legacy not just for his statistical dominance, but for his refusal to let pain dictate his performance.
- Player
- Andre Dawson
- Position
- Right Fielder
- Team
- Chicago Cubs
- Season
- 1987
- League
- National League
- Key Achievement
- Led NL in Home Runs and RBIs
Lore & Background
The 1987 MVP balloting remains a scar on baseball history, sparking enduring debate among historians and Cubs faithful alike. Dawson secured just one solitary first-place vote from the BBWAA, while writers largely backed Kevin Mitchell of the San Francisco Giants—a choice driven by team success rather than raw dominance or resilience. While Mitchell posted fewer home runs and RBIs in a healthier body, Chicago views the decision as a profound oversight. This season endures as the ultimate symbol of individual brilliance in vain: the greatest statistical performance in franchise history that failed to lift the Cubs into contention.
In Their Own Story
Under the floodlights of Wrigley, the air grew heavy with anticipation as Andre Dawson stepped into the box. His right leg was encased in a brace that creaked with every shift of his weight, and thick ice packs were often visible beneath his uniform when he adjusted his stance. Pain radiated through his thigh with every movement, yet he locked eyes on the pitcher with unwavering focus. The swing connected with a sharp crack, launching the ball toward the bleachers. As he began the trot to first base, dragging his injured leg through the dirt, the roar from the stands shifted from excitement to reverence—a collective acknowledgment that they were witnessing something far greater than a home run.
Reader's Guide
The 1987 National League MVP Award represents the pinnacle of individual achievement for the Chicago Cubs franchise, recognizing Andre Dawson's extraordinary dominance despite severe physical limitations. In a season where he led the National League in both home runs (49) and runs batted in (137), Dawson became the first player in history to win the MVP while playing for a team that finished third in their division. This distinction underscores that his performance was recognized as superior regardless of team success, breaking the traditional link between individual awards and playoff contention. The significance extends beyond statistics; it is a testament to human resilience. Dawson played 153 games on an injured knee requiring daily ice therapy and bracing. The voting controversy, where he received only one first-place vote, has cemented his legend, as many fans and historians believe the decision was tainted by bias against players who competed through pain or whose teams missed the postseason.
Did You Know?
- Andre Dawson received only one first-place vote in the 1987 MVP balloting, with Kevin Mitchell winning the award despite having fewer home runs and RBIs.
- Dawson led the National League in both home runs (49) and RBIs (137) while playing most of the season on a severely injured knee that required him to slide into bases with ice packs taped to his legs.
- This remains the only MVP Award ever won by a player wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform in the franchise's history.
- Dawson played 153 games in 1987, yet he was often seen leaving the field on crutches or being helped off the field after games due to his knee condition.