Sports Then and Now

The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York will add two hard hitting legends from by-gone eras with the selection of Dick Allen and Dave Parker by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

Most baseball fans of the 1960s and 1970s have been questioning the exclusion of these two perennial All-Stars from the Hall of Fame for many years, especially considering some of the players who have earned induction in recent years.

Both Allen and Parker were bathed in controversy during their time in MLB, which is likely among the reasons that it took so long following the end of their careers for them to make it into the Hall of Fame.

Below is a brief look at the careers of these two new Hall of Famers.

Dick Allen – One of the most feared and influential hitters of his era, Allen played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (1963–1977). Known for his immense power and unconventional batting stance, Allen broke into the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1964 after hitting .318 with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs. His ability to hit towering home runs made him a consistent offensive force, while his versatility allowed him to excel at multiple positions, including third base, first base, and the outfield. Allen’s time with the Phillies was highlighted by his offensive dominance, but he also endured racial tensions and scrutiny from fans and the media during a tumultuous era in the sport.

Allen’s best seasons came in the early 1970s after joining the Chicago White Sox. In 1972, he delivered one of the most remarkable campaigns in baseball history, winning the American League MVP award. That season, he hit .308 with 37 home runs, 113 RBIs, and led the league in on-base percentage (.420), slugging percentage (.603), and walks (99). Allen’s contributions almost single-handedly turned the White Sox into contenders, earning him widespread respect as one of the game’s most intimidating sluggers. Despite his exceptional talent, Allen’s career was marked by frequent clashes with management and the media, which often overshadowed his on-field achievements.

Over the course of his career, Allen compiled a .292 batting average, 351 home runs, and 1,119 RBIs, making him one of the most productive hitters of his generation. While his off-field controversies and reputation as a “difficult” player may have delayed recognition of his greatness, Allen’s influence on the game has only grown over time. A seven-time All-Star and a pioneer for Black athletes in baseball, Allen received renewed support for induction into the Hall of Fame following his death in 2020.

Dave Parker – Nicknamed “The Cobra,” Parker was one of baseball’s most fearsome hitters and a versatile outfielder during a career that spanned nearly two decades (1973-1991). Known for his towering presence at 6’5″ and 230 pounds, Parker combined power, precision, and flair to become one of the game’s top stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. A cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates, he played a pivotal role in their 1979 World Series championship, hitting .345 in the Fall Classic and making key plays in the field. Parker won two National League batting titles (1977 and 1978), with the latter season earning him the MVP award, as he hit .334 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs. His rocket arm also made him a standout defender, earning him three consecutive Gold Gloves (1977-1979).

Parker’s career wasn’t without challenges. Injuries and off-field controversies, including a battle with substance abuse, clouded his time in Pittsburgh, but he rebounded in the mid-1980s after signing with the Cincinnati Reds. During his time with the Reds, Parker revitalized his career, leading the league in RBIs (125) in 1985 and earning a second-place finish in the NL MVP race. Known for his durability and consistent production, Parker was a seven-time All-Star who amassed 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs over his career. He later played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and other teams, contributing to Oakland’s 1989 World Series title as a designated hitter.

Dave Parker’s blend of raw talent and undeniable charisma made him a fan favorite and a trailblazer for players of his era. In recent years following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, he has become an advocate for the disease, further cementing his legacy as a fighter on and off the field. Though he was not selected for the Hall of Fame during his time on the writer’s ballot, there have been renewed calls for his inclusion, culminating with him being named on 14 of the 16 ballots in the Classic Baseball Era Committee’s recent vote.

The modern era selections for the Hall of Fame will be announced in January. Newcomers to the ballot include Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Felix Hernandez. Others who could be selected include Billy Wagner, Adam Jones and Carlos Beltran.