Over his 15-year career in Major League Baseball, Dick Allen had his share of ups and down, both on and off the field, writes William Kashatus for Pennsylvania Heritage.  

His career accomplishments after his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1963 include winning the NL Rookie of the Year, being named to 7 All-Star teams, and winning an AL MVP. 

After playing the first seven seasons with the Phillies, Allen was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969, who traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1970. A year later, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. 

When asked why he played for four different teams in four years, Allen, in part, credited the negative persona he garnered in the media as “baseball’s bad boy.” 

As a Black man in the 1960s, he also had to endure heightened levels of racism.  

His mother served as his biggest influence in helping him overcome obstacles. 

“She was the person that held our family together … My mother didn’t tolerate any nonsense,” said Allen. 

In his career, Allen was the same way. Through trials and tribulations, he had no regrets.  

“I’m happy with the way my career turned out,” Allen said. 

Read more about Dick Allen’s career and legacy at the Pennsylvania Heritage. 

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Dick Allen has his No. 15 Phillies jersey retired.