PRINTER'S NO. 264
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
32
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY A. WILLIAMS, MARTIN, SANTARSIERO, KEARNEY,
BARTOLOTTA, BREWSTER, COSTA, COMITTA AND HUGHES,
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, FEBRUARY 24, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and career of Richard "Dick" Anthony Allen of
Wampum, Lawrence County, offering condolences to his friends
and family and recognizing his prominence during 15 Major
League Baseball seasons in the 1960s and 1970s, with special
recognition of his two stints with the Philadelphia Phillies.
WHEREAS, A Wampum native, Richard "Dick" Anthony Allen was
born on March 8, 1942; and
WHEREAS, Making his Major League Baseball debut with the
Philadelphia Phillies in 1963, Mr. Allen led the league in 1964
in runs (125), triples (13), extra base hits (80) and total
bases (352); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen finished in the top five in batting
average (.318), slugging average (.557), hits (201) and doubles
(38), leading to his selection as 1964 National League Rookie of
the Year; and
WHEREAS, A seven-time All-Star, Mr. Allen also earned status
as the 1972 American League Most Valuable Player; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen's powerful bat awed Phillies fans of all
ages as he hit balls out of the park; and
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WHEREAS, In 1965, an estimated 529-footer cleared the Coca-
Cola sign on the center left outfield roof of Connie Mack
Stadium; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen emanated strength and persisted as a power
hitter despite racism and abuse from fans, sports media and
fellow players on and off the field, as when a teammate
intentionally swung a bat at his head during practice, or when
obscenities and racial epithets came from the stands; and
WHEREAS, Fans witnessed Mr. Allen's courage as others
showered fruit, garbage and even flashlight batteries when he
took the field; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen adapted to this growing threat by wearing
his batting helmet while playing his position in the field to
protect against projectiles; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen pursued a high level of play and
exemplified integrity while befriending and mentoring other
baseball greats, including Phillies' Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Schmidt described Mr. Allen as having been
unfairly treated by the sports media:
Dick was a sensitive Black man who refused to be treated as a
second-class citizen.... Imagine what Dick could've
accomplished as a player in another era, on another team,
left alone to hone his skills, to be confident, to come to
the ballpark every day and just play baseball;
and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Phillies, in tribute to Mr. Allen's
iconic status, retired his jersey number, No. 15, on September
3, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen also had a love for singing, including a
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brief musical career in the Philadelphia-based doo-wop group the
Ebonistics; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen died from cancer at his home in Wampum on
December 7, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Allen is survived by his wife, Willa, and his
sons Richard and Eron; and
WHEREAS, The Senate honors Mr. Allen's excellence and the
progress he made toward the full inclusion of Black players in
Major League Baseball; and
WHEREAS, The Senate honors the life and career of a truly
outstanding Pennsylvanian; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate honor the life and achievements of
Richard "Dick" Anthony Allen of Wampum, Lawrence County, offer
condolences to his friends and family and recognize him for his
prominence during 15 Major League Baseball seasons in the 1960s
and 1970s, with special recognition of his two stints with the
Philadelphia Phillies.
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