The 30-Day Baseball Card Challenge - Day 12

"One of your favorite cards from the 1980s."

1987 Classic Update Yellow Travel Edition Andre Dawson #124 - I like how the intense, scary image of Dawson beaned by a baseball was re-used from a Sports Illustrated cover the same year the card was printed.

Other cards I considered included:

1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. #33 - for me, this rookie card likely the spurred me to chase the hot rookies because of their perceived value, according to what some price guide listed; even though it wasn't really the Griffey Jr. rookie card to have, it was the first one I had access to.

1987 Donruss Will Clark #66 - I love the confident smile Clark has on this card.

1987 Donruss Greg Maddux #36 - in addition to capturing an image of a youthful Maddux, the subtle colors coming together between the uniform colors and the card's design, makes this junk wax era rookie quite nice.

1989 Upper Deck Jim Abbott #755 - looking back, there was something about Abbott being a rookie phenom [born without a right hand, jumped to the major leagues without playing in the minors] and the multiple exposure effect UD used, to make this card pop.

1984 Fleer Glenn Hubbard #182 - the boa constrictor card.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1 - has to be on everyone's list.

1989 Fleer Billy Ripken #616 - FF error - is this the most infamous baseball card over the past 25-30 years?

1981 Fleer Mike Ramsey #549 - ?

Considering the Hall Candidates - Andre Dawson

Andre Dawson

Pro - he was a multitalented outfielder who was the 1977 National League Rookie of the Year with the Montreal Expos.

An eight-time Gold Glove winner, playing in Montreal diminished Dawson's abilities because apparently Astroturf was fake, synthetic grass layered over cement - it did much damage to Dawson's knees and hindered his ability to run and field over time, despite finishing with 314 stolen bases in his playing career.

Dawson and his agent apparently negotiated a 'blank' check after 10 years in Montreal and signed on with the Chicago Cubs - despite playing for a last place team, Dawson hit 49 home runs and had 137 RBIs in his 1987 National League MVP season.

Dawson was four-time Silver Slugger winner who hit 20 or more home runs in 13 of 21 seasons in the Major Leagues - finishing with 438 home runs and 1,591 RBIs.

Con - a player with a .323 on-base percentage may have been a little more patient and take his walks but one lone number shouldn't define the type of ballplayer Dawson was.

Yes/No - I would lean towards 'yes.'

Citing his on-base percentage seems to marginalize Dawson's relevance when he was an active player - he found a way to succeed despite his .323 on-base percentage and being one of the best all-around outfielders during his time, he cannot be denied longer.

Featured cards: Andre Dawson trio

I found this card in a nickel box at a place where I get random cards - unlike many other Dawson baseball cards, where he is grimacing and/or is seemingly in a serious mood, he is actually looking at someone and smiling. Dawson is in the prime of his career and while playing on Astroturf will have consquences for his later health, Dawson is just beaming.

Is this a nickel card of a player soon to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame [?] - who knows really, but Dawson put together a impressive resume that showcased his ability to hit for power and for speed.

Dawson's 1987 Classic Yellow card #124 probably captures his worst moment as he hits the ground - Classic, which produced trading cards revolving around a baseball themed board game, used the same image as a 7/20/87 issue of Sports Illustrated titled, 'Beanbrawls' with Dawson on the cover.

Dawson's 1984 Donruss card #97 - is a favorite because the focus is squarely right on Dawson. His eyes are focused on the incoming pitch and it looks like he is ready to hit one square up the middle.