Levine: Andre Dawson Selling Trophies For Practical Purposes

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- There's no reason to worry about Hall of Famer and former Cub Andre Dawson's health or economic well-being. Despite confirming a report that Dawson will sell some of his most important memorabilia, there are no bad stories or hardships attached to the selling off of his personal awards.

The 60-year-old Dawson is selling some of his baseball mementos for what he told a source were practical reasons. Dawson said he and his wife Vanessa are selling their current Miami home and downsizing now that both their son and daughter have moved out.

"This is about getting the proper compensation for these items before it becomes a family issue, years from now," the source said.

Dawson remains in good shape physically and mentally, and he'll put his National League MVP award from 1987 in an auction that will also sell off a few of his primary awards. An estimated $100,000 value is being put on the MVP award.

Dawson inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010. Before the MVP-winning 1987 season began, Dawson signed a blank contract with the Cubs that was filled in by team president Dallas Green for $500,000. He then received an extra $150,000 in bonus incentives earned. That was the first time a star player had ever signed a blank contract with a major league team.

Dawson had bad knees from playing on artificial turf in Montreal. Getting on  a natural grass field was the 32-year-old outfielder's goal at the time.

It made zero sense for the Dawsons to box up those awards, the source said. Those items can still be of value to someone else and his family at the same time.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.