Dick Allen
| Birthdate | 03/08/1942 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1963 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Athletics, Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, White Sox |
| Positions | Center Field, Designated Hitter, First Base, Left Field, Third Base |
A 7-time All Star & 1964 Rookie of the Year, Dick Allen was the AL MVP in ’72. In 2014 he fell 1 vote shy of induction via the Veterans Committee.
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Dick Allen burst onto the baseball scene as Rookie of the Year in 1964; here's the document that called him to the big leagues
Dick Allen burst onto the baseball scene as Rookie of the Year in 1964; here's the document that called him to the big leagues
Dick Allen was setting Triple-A on fire in 1963 with the Arkansas Travelers, finishing the campaign with 33 homers, 97 RBI, and a .289 average.
His fine play was rewarded with a big league call up.
This document called up Allen on August 26, 1963 for his MLB debut that happened a mere eight days later. Allen got into ten games that year before confirming he was Major League ready with an outstanding 1964 campaign with the Phillies — 29 homers, 91 RBI, and a .318 average. For his efforts, Allen received the Rookie of the Year Award.
Perhaps his finest year was the 1972 MVP season when Allen led the AL in homers, RBI, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
By the time his career was over, Allen totaled 351 homers and 1,119 runs batted in. Most members of the Baseball Hall of Fame have eclipsed the 2,000-hit plateau. Allen’s 1,848 hits fall short of the benchmark.
Today there are many grassroots groups advocating for Allen’s inclusion to Cooperstown.
Dick Allen's signature appeared on stamped autographed baseballs in souvenir stands; this contract paid him one cent per ball sold
Dick Allen's signature appeared on stamped autographed baseballs in souvenir stands; this contract paid him one cent per ball sold
For years in souvenir stands at MLB stadiums offered baseballs with stamped signatures of the home team.
In the collection is a contract signed by Dick Allen agreeing to have his autograph appear on those balls.
The terms of the contract? Allen received one cent per ball sold. The contract is dated March 15, 1955 though is more likely signed in 1965.
One can imagine the thrill of going to the ballpark and seeing the signatures of all the team’s players on a baseball. For decades the stamped balls were among the most popular items at souvenir stands across America.
