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.
Dick Allen was the centerpiece in the Curt Flood trade that changed the game
Dick Allen was the centerpiece in the Curt Flood trade that changed the game
Baseball historians point to the 1969 trade of Curt Flood from St. Louis to Philadelphia as the dawn of a new era. Seldom is it remembered that Flood was dealt for Dick Allen.
The Cardinals exchanged Flood to get the power-hitting Allen for the middle of their lineup. Flood refused to report to Philadelphia and sued baseball and Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.
He felt baseball’s archaic labor laws subjugated him to a piece of property. In a letter to Kuhn, Flood explained, ““After twelve years in the major leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several States.
“It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. I have received a contract offer from the Philadelphia club, but I believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decision. I, therefore, request that you make known to all Major League clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.”
The case reached the Supreme Court where the justices ruled in favor of the status quo in 1972. However, it emboldened the players’ union. Soon baseball saw great change.
In the next few years the union fought for and gained free-agency, altering the game’s landscape forever. They also gained the “10/5” rule also known as the “Curt Flood Rule”. That gives players trade veto power if they have ten years of big league service with five seasons with the same club.
Quite simply the trade revolutionized the game.
In the collection is this letter from Cardinals GM Bing Devine. Dated just three days after the historic trade, Devine writes, “I am sure you know by now we have acquired Rich Allen from Philadelphia, who we feel will provide power we need in the line-up,” Devine writes. “However, let me assure you we will continue to look for ways to improve the ballclub for 1970.”
Devine was prophetic. In his only season in St. Louis Allen put up outstanding numbers. An all star in ’70, Allen slugged 34 homers and drove in 101 runs.
Allen was shipped out to Los Angeles after the season in exchange for 1969 Rookie of the Year Ted Sizemore and Bob Stinson.
For more about Flood, click here.
Do whatever it takes to get him in the Hall!
This man was scary. A total HOF no brainer. Oh and contrary to what the press believed his teammates and managers liked him.
This injustice must be corrected December, 2021. When Willie Mays, Goose Gossage, Mike Schmidt, etc. etc. say you’re a hall of famer, then you are. To those who say he was a cancer in the club house, isn’t it interesting that there isn’t a ball player among them?
Their are many ball players in the HOF who realistically don’t belong there. Duck Allen isn’t one of them along with Gil Hodges. The BBWAA should stop the injustice now and put Allen where he rightfully belongs in the HOF.