Andre Dawson was just named as the only 2010 Inductee of eligble players to the Hall of Fame. Bert Blyleven falls short by 5 votes and first timer Robbie Alomar just misses.
"The Hawk" as Dawson was known, was one of the most feared hitters in the 80's and had one ofthe best arms in the outfield. Dawson definitely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Andre Dawson is another Hall of Famer that I have caught a game home run from. In 1990 I caught Dawson's 40th home run of the season. I almost grabbed another which was part of the infamous "Mailman" incident. A mailman working his route nearby ended up with a Dawson HR and was fired shortly after for leaving his mail truck unattended and unlocked while being interviews on WGN!
Here is a list of Official Game Home Runs that I have caught from current Hall of Famers:
Gary Carter - 310th career home run
Carlton Fisk - 2 including his 350th career home run
Kirby Puckett
Jim Rice
Ryne Sandberg - 3 home runs
Mike Schmidt - 523rd Career HR at my first ever Dodger game
Dave Winfield - 2 inclding his 450th career home run
I am also going to add this 2010 Hall of Fame inductee to my list of Home Runs from a Hall of Famer, DOUG HARVEY (umpire).
On May 24th, 1990 Juan Samuel was playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the 4th inning he hit a home run to the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field. As is the tradition when an opposing player hits a home run the fan threw it back onto the field. As the ball came in to the infield 3rd base umpire Doug Harvey picked the ball up and threw it out of the stadium.
Those of us on the street were just returning from running towards where the ball went in the bleachers when I heard a "THUD" by the building across the street. I ran over and picked up the ball and saw that it was a game ball. We all laughed and then one of our spotters in the bleachers yelled, "That's the Samuel homer! The 3rd base umpire picked it up and threw it out of the yard!"
It was definitely the oddest way to get a home run ball, especially outside of the stadium but it was still a home run and one I will never forget! Thank you Doug Harvey!!