Baseball Hall of Famer and FAMU Legend Andre Dawson Receives Florida Governor’s Medal of Freedom

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Florida A&M University legend Andre Dawson received the Florida Governor’s Medal of Freedom during a ceremony led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to reporting by HBCU Gameday. The presentation marks Dawson as the first athlete to secure the prestigious state honor.

Prior to Dawson, the only other sports figure to receive the award was former Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden, who was recognized in 2021, HBCU Gameday reported. Dawson, an eight-time Gold Glove winner and Cooperstown inductee, accepted the award in front of an extensive delegation representing FAMU athletics and administration.

During the presentation, DeSantis reflected on watching Dawson during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs, highlighting Dawson's National League Most Valuable Player campaign. DeSantis noted Dawson's ability to capture the MVP award despite playing on a last-place roster, calling Dawson's individual production extraordinary and reminiscing about watching Cubs daytime broadcasts.

Accepting the medal, Dawson expressed profound appreciation for the moment and credited his foundation to family guidance. Dawson stated that the honor was phenomenal and gratifying, explaining that no one makes such a journey alone. He recalled the standards set by his grandmother, whom he identified as his most inspiring influence, sharing that she taught him to pray, remain thankful for blessings, and prioritize education.

Dawson’s path to professional stardom remains deeply rooted in Tallahassee. HBCU Gameday reported that Dawson consistently credits FAMU and legendary baseball coach Costa “Pop” Kittles for offering him an opportunity when other programs backed away following a severe knee injury sustained during his senior year of high school.

A large contingent of FAMU leadership attended the event, coordinated in part by Angela Suggs, special assistant to the president. The group included FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., Vice President and Director of Athletics John Davis, FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Marvin Green Jr., head baseball coach Jamey Shouppe, head softball coach Brittaney Beal, head men’s basketball coach Charlie Ward, head women’s basketball coach Bridgette Gordon, alongside administrative staff, supporters, and student-athletes.

President Johnson commended Dawson for representing the university at the highest level of sport and setting a lasting standard for the campus community. Johnson noted that Dawson is the first Rattler enshrined in Cooperstown, remarking that while talent opened doors for him, discipline, character, and commitment carried him to peak success, providing an enduring blueprint for FAMU students to follow.

The ceremony followed Dawson’s recent appearance in Tallahassee for the 50th Enshrinement celebration of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame, continuing a lifelong bond between the storied slugger and his alma mater.