Richard Allen

philadelphia

Late to integration

From the small town of Wampum, PA, Richard “Dick” Allen endured the front lines of integration as the first black ballplayer on the Arkansas Travelers, the Phillies Triple-A team.

In Philadelphia, he found a city known for racists attitudes towards black ballplayers.

Richard "Dick" Allen - the Phillies first black superstar - in 1965
Richard “Dick” Allen – the Phillies first black superstar – in 1965 / George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA
John Irvin Kennedy
John Irvin Kennedy was the first black player on the Phillies, the last team to integrate in the National League (1957). / John W. Mosley Photograph Collection, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA
Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers, left, talks with nemesis Ben Chapman of the Philadelphia Phillies in the middle of the N.L. season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 1, 1947 / Icon Sportswire

When Jackie Robinson came to Philadelphia during his rookie season in 1947, Phillies General Manager Herb Pencock tried to prevent Jackie from playing at Shibe Park. Once on the field, Robinson was taunted mercilessly by Phillies manager Ben Chapman and his players. Chapman later offered an awkward public apology as a photo-op.

mixed feelings

Hall of Fame career

Dick Allen exploded into the league by winning the 1964 Rookie of the Year award and was soon dazzling fans with his mammoth home runs.

Richard Allen and his unique personality forced Philadelphians to confront their own racial stereotypes in the 1960s. Some fans responded by booing and throwing smoke bombs. Others cheered the slugger’s heroic contributions on the field.

Dick Allen was known for wielding a 42 oz bat.
Dick Allen was known for wielding a 42 oz bat. / Andrew Woolley
Smoke bombs being tossed onto the field near Dick Allen / George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA
Smoke bombs being tossed onto the field near Dick Allen / George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA
Dick Allen rounding second after hitting a home run / George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA

He was often at odds with the media (similar to his protege, Mike Schmidt). Due to these awkward feelings, he remains outside the Hall of Fame, despite a more-than-worthy career.

Over 15 seasons, Dick Allen finished with: 351 home runs, 1,119 RBI, .292 batting average, 58.7 wins-above-replacement and the 1972 AL MVP.

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