Totally Dawson

Apologies for my lack of a post yesterday, as I was caught up in Hall of Fame-related matters. Specifically, I attended Andre Dawson's press conference at the Waldorf-Astoria Ballroom (a step down from MiLB.com's swanky offices, but adequate for the purpose).

My mission was to ask Andre a question about his Minor League career, so that I could then base an article around his answer (journalism at its finest!). I succeeded in this quest, but just barely, as mine was the last question granted. It was a very anxiety-inducing experience.

So what sort of masterwork resulted from my Herculean efforts?

THIS.

But enough about me. It is worth noting that Dawson's election adds a beatific glow to the 2010 promotional schedules of both the Lakewood Blueclaws and Vancouver Canadians. "The Hawk" is scheduled to swoop into both of these team's ballparks, gripping a pen in his talons so that he may sign autographs for his assembled prey fans.

The details for Dawson at Lakewood can be found HERE. And for Vancouver, the details can be found HERE.

Dawson at the BlueClaws game has a backstory of sorts, as the club has made an effort in recent years to bring on-the-cusp HOF candidates to FirstEnergy Park. This came about after the team hosted Goose Gossage and Jim Rice, both of whom were subsequently elected to the Hall of Fame. More about all of this can be found HERE.

And this gives me that most dangerous of notions: an idea.

May I suggest that teams stage a series of autograph signings entitled "You Will Not Be Forgotten"? The guests of honor would be those who fell off the Hall of Fame ballot in their first year of eligbility (this year, that illustrious group consists of Andres Galarraga, Robin Ventura, Eliis Burks, Eric Karros, Kevin Appier, Pat Hentgen, David Segui, Mike Jackson, Ray Lankford, Shaun Reynolds, and Todd Zeile).

Any takers? No? Well, at the very least let this blog post serve as proof that such an idea was once documented in writing before being consumed by the eternal void.

And speaking of the eternal void, I am happy to report that MiLB.com's fledgling series of "Roadtrip" articles has avoided such an ignominious fate. There has been a good response to these thus far, and I would encourage any teams that are interested in being featured to send me an email (any and all fan suggestions are welcome as well).

The most recent edition of the column, featuring four teams in southern California, can be found HERE.

And this concludes the first blogging week of 2010. Here's to 49.5 more.

benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz