
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.