Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 11, 1990 TAG: 9007110070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Medium
The Chicago Cubs outfielder celebrated his 36th birthday Tuesday with a new one-year contract that includes an option for a second year. The deal guarantees him $3.7 million.
Dawson, who is making $2.1 million this year, will get $3.3 million in 1991. The Cubs have an option for 1992 at $3.3 million and must pay him $400,000 if they don't exercise the option. The option year becomes guaranteed if Dawson plays 140 games next season.
Before taking the field for his seventh All-Star Game, Dawson called it "a joyous occasion. We have the All-Star Game here on my birthday and the contract is resolved. It's a day, I'm sure, that will stand out in my career."
He said getting a one-year contract with an option, rather than an outright two-year deal, doesn't concern him.
"I just have to work a little harder," Dawson said. "Both parties came to the conclusion that the sooner it's done with, the better. Of course, I want to finish my career here. I want to play a couple of more years."
Despite major knee surgery in the fall, Dawson is having one of his best seasons in a career in which he has won eight Gold Glove awards and been named the National League Most Valuable Player (1987).
Dawson is batting .324 in 78 games, with 19 home runs and 57 runs batted in. He also has nine stolen bases and needs seven to reach 300 for his career. If he does, he will join Willie Mays as the only players with 2,000 hits, 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases.
Dawson has 2,128 hits, 338 home runs and 1,188 RBI.
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB