“A Long-Awaited Honor: Richard Allen Jr. to Accept Hall of Fame Induction for Late Father”
On Sunday afternoon, all eyes will be on Richard Allen Jr. as he takes the stage at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Behind him will sit a group of legendary players, as he delivers the acceptance speech for his father, Dick Allen, who will finally be immortalized with a plaque among the game’s greatest.
It has been a journey of over 40 years for the former Philadelphia Phillies star and one-time St. Louis Cardinal to earn his rightful place among the all-time greats. It took time for voters to recognize Allen’s undeniable talent and to come to terms with the challenges he had to overcome throughout his career.
But now, as Richard Allen Jr. stands at the dais, it is a moment of triumph and vindication for his late father. A moment that will be remembered for years to come in the world of baseball. 1969, when he was upset with the Phillies’ management and the media.
Dick Allen Finally Gets His Due in Cooperstown
At long last, the late Dick Allen will be honored with a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. After more than 40 years, the former Philadelphia Phillies star and one-time St. Louis Cardinal will join the ranks of baseball’s immortals. Sadly, Allen won’t be there to experience it, having passed away from cancer in December 2020 at the age of 78.
Throughout his life, Allen was often misunderstood and underappreciated. He faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including racism and a strained relationship with the media. Even his own team, the Phillies, initially referred to him as “Richie” instead of his preferred name, Dick.
As author William C. Kashatus wrote in his book “September Swoon: Richie Allen, the ’64 Phillies and Racial Integration,” Allen was “the wrong player in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He was a talented and dynamic player, but his actions and words often sparked controversy.
One notable incident was his altercation with Frank Thomas in 1965, when Allen punched Thomas after a likely racially charged remark. Thomas responded by hitting Allen with a bat, causing a lasting injury to Allen’s left shoulder.
Another memorable moment was in 1969, when Allen wrote messages with his spikes in the infield dirt at Connie Mack Stadium, expressing his frustration with the Phillies’ management and the media.
Allen’s Legacy Lives On
Despite the challenges he faced, Allen’s impact on the game of baseball cannot be denied. He was a seven-time All-Star, a two-time home run champion, and the 1972 American League MVP. He also holds the record for the most home runs hit by a player who never played in the World Series.
As his son, Richard Allen Jr., stands at the dais to deliver his acceptance speech, surrounded by living Baseball Hall of Famers, it is a bittersweet moment. While it is a long overdue recognition of his father’s greatness, it is also a reminder of the injustices he faced during his career.
How to Watch the Induction Ceremony
The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. (St. Louis time) and will be broadcasted on MLB Network. It can also be streamed live on MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB App.
