Governor Ron DeSantis awarded professional baseball player Andre Dawson with the Governor's Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor Florida's governor can give.
"Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre 'The Hawk' Dawson the Governor’s Medal of Freedom in recognition of his distinguished baseball career, his contributions to Florida A&M University, and his lasting impact on the state of Florida," a press release announcing the award informed.
Today, I was proud to present the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Baseball Hall of Famer and great Floridian Andre Dawson. His distinguished career in Major League Baseball, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact on our state have earned him this award.
From his childhood in Southwest Miami, to his college days at FAMU, to his legendary MLB career, “The Hawk” has represented Florida in the best possible way for decades. His generous support of FAMU and its baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes succeed. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor I can bestow on any Floridian, and Andre Dawson truly deserves this recognition.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 19, 2026
Dawson, a Miami native, is an eight-time All-Star outfielder who played 21 seasons of Major League Baseball. Prior to entering the pros, Dawson played at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, before being drafted into the MLB in 1975 by the Montreal Expos. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award after becoming a center fielder in 1977.
Over his 21-year career, Dawson played in over 2,500 games and became the second player in history to reach 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases. He was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 2010.
He went on to play for the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, ending his legendary career with a one-year stint with the Florida Marlins.
“Today, I was proud to present the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Baseball Hall of Famer and great Floridian Andre Dawson,” Gov. DeSantis said through a press release. “His distinguished career in Major League Baseball, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact on our state have earned him this award. ‘The Hawk’ has represented Florida in the best possible way for decades. His generous support of FAMU and its baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes succeed. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor I can bestow on any Floridian, and Andre Dawson truly deserves this recognition.”
The award was established in 2020 and recognizes people who have made "especially meritorious contributions to the interests and citizens of Florida."
Musician Jimmy Buffett, Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, and Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden have also received the award in the past.
