PHILADELPHIA — Every Philly kid should know Dick Allen, and Friday afternoon, the Phillies ensured they will know his name and understand the legacy he created.
The Phillies and the City of Philadelphia dedicated Dick Allen Field at the Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy at FDR Park in South Philadelphia, which included former Phillies players Steve Carlton, Larry Bowa, Dave Cash, Garry Maddox, Milt Thompson and Rick Wise. Allen’s widow, Willa; his son Richard Jr.; and his brothers Hank and Ron also attended.
Dick Allen Field will be used by Phillies RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and other youth baseball programs.
The Phillies later held a pregame ceremony at Citizens Bank Park honoring Allen’s storied career, which included a video tribute narrated by Ryan Howard. Bryce Harper caught the ceremonial first pitch from Allen’s son.
“Dick Allen is one of the most impactful players that’s played in the 140-plus year history of the Philadelphia Phillies,” Phillies managing partner and CEO John Middleton said at FDR Park. “Obviously, I wish he were here today to be with him as we continue to honor him.”
Allen died on Dec. 7, 2020, at age 78. But that summer, the Phillies retired Allen’s No. 15.
“We are honored to create a lasting memory on this hallowed ground,” Middleton said. “This field will serve as an everlasting memory of who Dick was and what he represents. He was more than just a talented baseball player. He was a symbol of resilience and determination. He faced numerous obstacles throughout his career, yet he was unyielding to the obstacles and the challenges that came his way.”
A seven-time All-Star, Allen spent nine of 15 seasons (1963-77) with the Phillies. He won NL Rookie of the Year in 1964. He batted .290 with 204 doubles, 204 home runs, 655 RBIs, a .371 on-base percentage, a .530 slugging percentage and a .902 OPS in 1,070 games with the Phillies. His slugging percentage is second-best in Phillies history, behind only Hall of Famer Chuck Klein (.553). He ranks 10th in home runs.
Allen’s career 156 OPS+ is tied for sixth all-time among right-handed hitters with at least 5,000 career plate appearances in the Modern Era (since 1900). From ’64-74, he posted a 58.3 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. It is sixth among position players in that 11-year span, behind Hank Aaron (68.7), Carl Yastrzemski (68.2), Roberto Clemente (64.7), Ron Santo (60.1) and Brooks Robinson (59.3).
“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to thank the Philadelphia Phillies organization for celebrating my father’s legendary career,” Richard Allen Jr. said. “It is so wonderful we all get to honor him with fans in the ballpark. I know he would also be so humbled by the Phillies naming one of their Urban Youth Academy baseball fields after him. He loved to be engaged with young baseball players and would be thrilled knowing his name is attached to something so important.”
