DALLAS -- It’s been a journey long overdue, but the wait is finally over. Dick Allen, one of the most feared sluggers of his generation, has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the 16-member Classic Baseball Era Committee.
Allen, who passed away on Dec. 7, 2020, at age 78, will be inducted posthumously on July 27, 2025. The decision comes after years of fervent campaigning from his supporters, countless debates over his credentials, and an undeniable statistical case that cemented his legacy as one of the game's greats.
For the Phillies, this moment resonates deeply. "I am overjoyed that the Classic Baseball Era Committee has recognized that Dick is worthy of being immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame," said Phillies Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer John Middleton. "It has been a long time coming. The Phillies look forward to celebrating this honor with Dick’s family.”
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who spent two seasons (1975-76) as Allen’s teammate, echoed those sentiments. “It’s a great day for Dick Allen’s family, the Phillies, those who have been a part of supporting his candidacy, and his teammates, one of which I was lucky to be. I look forward to greeting the Allen family in Cooperstown this summer.”
Larry Bowa, another teammate during those same years, reflected on Allen’s profound influence, both on and off the field. “What a tremendous, well-deserved honor for my friend Dick, who has always been a Hall of Famer to me," Bowa said. "He meant so much to the Phillies organization throughout the years. His experience and leadership were instrumental in the development of players like Schmidt, Bob Boone, Greg Luzinski, Gary Maddox, and myself. He taught me how to play the game the right way. I am elated that he is finally going into the Hall of Fame.”
Over a 15-year career, Allen put together a statistical résumé that was nothing short of remarkable. He slashed .292/.378/.534 (.912 OPS) with 320 doubles, 79 triples, 351 home runs, 1,119 RBIs, and 1,099 runs scored in 1,749 games. He added 133 stolen bases for good measure, a testament to his versatility. From 1964 to 1974, Allen was a force of nature. During that span, he led the majors in OPS+ (165) and wRC+ (163) while trailing only Hank Aaron in OPS (.940) and slugging percentage (.554). He ranked third in extra-base hits (670) and fourth in fWAR (59.2). For context: during that stretch, Allen posted 10 seasons with at least 20 homers and an OPS of .850 or higher — tied with Aaron for the most in the game.
And Allen didn’t just hit the ball — he punished it. Teammates would marvel at the sound of his bat, a unique model he custom-ordered from Hillerich & Bradsby that weighed in at an intimidating 42 ounces. "When Dick Allen hit a baseball, you didn’t just see it," said one opponent. "You felt it." That raw power led him to six seasons with more than 30 home runs and an MVP season in 1972, when he led the league in on-base percentage (.420), OPS (1.023), and OPS+ (199).
Allen’s connection to Philadelphia runs deep. Signed out of high school in 1960, he debuted with the Phillies in 1963 as a 21-year-old phenom. Over two stints with the club, he hit .290 with 204 doubles, 64 triples, 204 homers, and 655 RBIs across 1,070 games. His .530 slugging percentage ranks third in franchise history, and his 204 home runs are 10th. A beloved figure in Philadelphia, Allen was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 1994, and the team retired his No. 15 in 2020, just months before his passing.
This induction into Cooperstown doesn’t rewrite Allen’s legacy; it validates it. For decades, Allen's supporters have argued that his numbers — combined with his undeniable influence on and off the field — warranted a plaque in the Hall of Fame. Finally, Dick Allen gets his due. The ceremony on July 27, 2025, won’t just honor a remarkable player; it will celebrate a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on baseball and those fortunate enough to share the field with him.
Over a 15-year career, Allen put together a statistical résumé that was nothing short of remarkable. He slashed .292/.378/.534 (.912 OPS) with 320 doubles, 79 triples, 351 home runs, 1,119 RBIs, and 1,099 runs scored in 1,749 games. He added 133 stolen bases for good measure, a testament to his versatility. From 1964 to 1974, Allen was a force of nature. During that span, he led the majors in OPS+ (165) and wRC+ (163) while trailing only Hank Aaron in OPS (.940) and slugging percentage (.554). He ranked third in extra-base hits (670) and fourth in fWAR (59.2). For context: during that stretch, Allen posted 10 seasons with at least 20 homers and an OPS of .850 or higher — tied with Aaron for the most in the game.
And Allen didn’t just hit the ball — he punished it. Teammates would marvel at the sound of his bat, a unique model he custom-ordered from Hillerich & Bradsby that weighed in at an intimidating 42 ounces. "When Dick Allen hit a baseball, you didn’t just see it," said one opponent. "You felt it." That raw power led him to six seasons with more than 30 home runs and an MVP season in 1972, when he led the league in on-base percentage (.420), OPS (1.023), and OPS+ (199).
Allen’s connection to Philadelphia runs deep. Signed out of high school in 1960, he debuted with the Phillies in 1963 as a 21-year-old phenom. Over two stints with the club, he hit .290 with 204 doubles, 64 triples, 204 homers, and 655 RBIs across 1,070 games. His .530 slugging percentage ranks third in franchise history, and his 204 home runs are 10th. A beloved figure in Philadelphia, Allen was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 1994, and the team retired his No. 15 in 2020, just months before his passing.
This induction into Cooperstown doesn’t rewrite Allen’s legacy; it validates it. For decades, Allen's supporters have argued that his numbers — combined with his undeniable influence on and off the field — warranted a plaque in the Hall of Fame. Finally, Dick Allen gets his due. The ceremony on July 27, 2025, won’t just honor a remarkable player; it will celebrate a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on baseball and those fortunate enough to share the field with him.
