Resolution 241140

..Title Honoring the extraordinary legacy and groundbreaking achievements of Richard Anthony "Dick" Allen, a Philadelphia Phillies legend and trailblazing African American baseball player, as he receives his long-overdue induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. ..Body WHEREAS, Richard Anthony Allen, better known as Dick Allen, was born on March 8, 1942, in Wampum, Pennsylvania, to Era and Coy Allen, as one of nine children; and WHEREAS, Allen attended Wampum High School, where he excelled at basketball but chose to pursue a career in baseball, after being discovered by Philadelphia Phillies scout, Jack Ogden, in 1960; and WHEREAS, Allen began his professional baseball career with the Phillies minor league affiliate in Little Rock, where he made history as the team's first Black player, facing significant racial discrimination; and WHEREAS, Dick Allen's remarkable rookie season in the Major Leagues included impressive statistics - 125 runs, 13 triples, 80 extra-base hits, 352 total bases, a .318 batting average, and 38 doubles - earning him the coveted title of Rookie of the Year; and WHEREAS, Allen was selected to multiple All-Star teams during his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players of his era; and WHEREAS, Despite being an invaluable player for the Phillies, Allen faced relentless racial hostility, with fans throwing objects at him on the field, in response to which, he began wearing his batting helmet even while playing the outfield, earning the nickname "Crash Helmet" later shortened to "Crash"; and WHEREAS. Allen was traded to the St. Louis Cardinal before the 1970 season, then to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 1971 season, and ultimately to the Chicago White Sox December 2, 1971; and WHEREAS, During his time with the White Sox, Dick Allen exclusively played first base, allowing him to focus on his powerful hitting and helping to elevate the team to second place in the American League West, with his contributions being widely credited with revitalizing the franchise, and ultimately winning him the American League MVP title in 1972; and WHEREAS, On February 27, 1973, Dick Allen became the highest-paid player in baseball after signing a 3-year $750,000 contract; and WHEREAS, Despite leading the league in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS in 1974, Allen's career took a setback after suffering a broken fibula; and WHEREAS, Allen was traded to the Atlanta Braves for $5,000, and chose to retire; and WHEREAS, The Phillies convinced Dick Allen to come out of retirement for the 1975 season; and WHEREAS, During his 15-year long major league career, Allen had 351 home runs, 1,119 RBIs, and a .292 career average, cementing his place as one of the game's best players; and WHEREAS, Allen was not only an exceptional player but also a trailblazer for African American baseball players, boldly speaking out against the injustices he encountered and paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in the sport; and WHEREAS, His No. 15 jersey was retired by the Philadelphia Phillies on September 3, 2020, the 57th anniversary of Allen's MLB debut with the Phillies; and WHEREAS, Dick Allen passed away December 7, 2020, at the age of 78 in his hometown of Wampum Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, On December 8, 2024, Dick Allen received 13 out of 16 possible committee votes to earn enshrinement in the Class of 2025 National Baseball Hall of Fame; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it recognizes and congratulates Philadelphia Phillies' own Dick Allen for his long-overdue induction into the Class of 2025 National Baseball Hall of Fame. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be present to the family of Dick Allen as a token of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.