Hall of Famer Andre Dawson Coming to Bricks and Ivy Sports

In the early spring of 1977, as always, I walked to the corner store and bought a bunch of baseball cards. In the pre-internet days, baseball cards were our main source of info for players. One of those cards was a quad-pictured “Rookies” card, featuring outfielders Denny Walling (A’s), Gene Richards (Padres), John Scott (Blue Jays) and Andre Dawson (Expos).

By the next spring, Scott had played his last MLB game. Walling had been traded to the Astros and hadn’t played much. Richards earned a starting job and had a decent season. Dawson, however, was the cream of that crop, winning the Rookie of the Year award.

Dawson would develop into a Gold Glove All-Star, even receiving MVP votes in 5 of his first 11 years. I make that time distinction, because those years were all spent with the Expos.

Then came the winter of 1986 and Dawson was a free agent. In a Cubs fan’s dream, he announced he wanted to play for the Cubs and would basically let them name the price. This was too good to be true, but it got better as Dawson eventually signed and went on to win the MVP award in 1987.

Dawson would play 6 seasons with the Cubs, before finishing his career by playing 2 seasons each with the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins. He capped off his brilliant 21 year career with a Hall of Fame induction in 2010.

Still very popular with Chicago fans, Dawson draws a good crowd at every appearance. The usual large crowd of baseball fans is expected for his next appearance at Bricks and Ivy Sports in Hoopeston, IL, on October 14 from 1-3 pm.

Located about 50 miles northeast of Champaign, Bricks and Ivy Sports is a locally owned sports card and memorabilia store. Primarily a card shop, they carry hobby boxes, packs, singles in baseball, basketball, and football. They also sell autographed memorabilia, licensed sports apparel, and licensed sports gifts.

Opening in May of 2017, Bricks and Ivy Sports has started strong by having several in-store events, such as “Trading Card Night.” This brings me right back to my childhood, trading cards with my friends. It’s a great way to get good cards, but also to make collecting friends. Such events help to grow this great hobby.

They also started hosting autograph appearances, starting with Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins in July. Fans were lined up stretching out of the store for Jenkins. Bricks and Ivy Sports will follow a great appearance by a Hall of Famer with an appearance from another Hall of Famer in Dawson.

This is a rare chance to meet Dawson in a casual setting. This isn’t like meeting him at any big multi-player convention. At Bricks and Ivy Sports, you will be surrounded by awesome sports memorabilia and knowledgeable collecting fans. It really is the ideal way to meet any celebrity, especially a Hall of Famer like Dawson.

I see a bright future for Bricks and Ivy Sports. As a lifelong card-collector, it does my heart good to see a new card shop doing so well.

I’m sure Bricks and Ivy Sports will have more player appearances and other cool events. You can get all the information on Dawson’s appearances and future events at BricksandIvySports.com.