“Life in the Minors” was a book Steve Potter and I co-authored in the spring of 2020. “Pro Debuts” was one of the chapters. What follows is a story about Dick Allen’s debut in Elmira, N.Y. Dick’s brother, Hank, contributed to the story.

18-year-old Dick Allen was signed to a pro contract within an hour after graduating from Wampum (PA) High School in May 1960. The scout was John Ogden, who had followed Dick throughout his high school career. His signing bonus was $60,000. In April of that year, Ogden signed Dick’s older brother Hank, an outfielder. Following high school graduation in 1964, Ron, the youngest brother, was signed by the Phillies. He was a switch-hitting first baseman.

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Harold (Hank) Allen reported to the Elmira Pioneers (Class D New York-Penn League) soon after signing. Dick joined the club in Geneva later.

Playing in 88 games for the Pioneers, Dick had 19 doubles, 10 triples, 8 homers, 42 RBIs and a .281 average. He led the club with an .868 OPS, an early indication of his slugging ability.

Dick’s Memories

“Jack Phillips was our manager, his first year. I wore number 5; played shortstop. Hank was the first baseman. Coy, my oldest brother, rented a house at 157 Light Street. Hank, me and Bobby Sanders (infielder) lived there. Coy also bought a car for us to get around. Mom (Era) would come to see us when we played in Erie, which is the nearest town to Wampum. What I remember most was getting hit in my left eye by a pitch and missing several weeks.”

Hank’s Memories

“What he didn’t mention is he hit a home run in his first at-bat in pro ball that night in Geneva.

“I vividly remember him getting hit by a pitch later in the season. I was on deck. It was loud like it hit his bat, but Dick was lying on the ground face down. He didn’t move. Jack and I rushed to home plate. I lost it when I saw the blood. I still had my bat, and I charged the mound. The pitcher, I don’t remember his name, started running. I tossed the bat and chased him but never got him.

“It was the second game of a doubleheader against Wellsville at home. We crushed them in the first game and were doing the same thing in the second game. Sanders hadn’t had a hit and told Dick, ‘I’m bunting for a hit.’ Dick said, ‘If you do, so will I.” Sanders beat out a bunt and Dick fouled off the first pitch while trying to lay one down. The next one drilled him. Sanders and Dick were playing pro ball for the first time. None of us were aware of the unwritten baseball rule that you don’t bunt with a big lead.

“Dick was hospitalized in Elmira for two to three days before the Phillies flew him to Philadelphia to see their doctors. He was gone for a couple of weeks with a concussion before returning to Elmira. Coy and I met him at the airport. Coy said, 'We’re going to the ballpark for some batting practice.' Coy was the pitcher, Dick the hitter and I shagged. Coy’s first pitch was at Dick’s head. I remember him saying, ‘If you are going to be afraid of getting hit, if you’re not going to be tough. Mom’s got dinner for you back home. You and I will leave tonight.’ Coy’s next pitch was up and in again. From then on, Dick showed no fear. Back then, the tough survived. The first at-bat that night he crushed a line drive to left that was caught on an unbelievable play by the left fielder. Next at-bat, line-drive double to left.”

Teammates

Of the 32 players who wore an Elmira uniform that season, Dick, Hank and RHP Paul Brown were the only ones to reach the Majors. Dick had the longest career.

Big League Careers

Dick made his Major League debut (wearing #32) on Sept. 3, 1963, after four years in the Minors (88 doubles, 40 triples, 82 home runs, 342 RBIs, .305 average). He was an All-Star in each of the last three seasons. Moved to a new position (3B) in 1964. Named the National League Rookie of the Year. He set four Phillies rookie records that still exist, runs (125), hits (201), total bases (352), slugging percentage (.557).

Played for Phillies (1963-69, 1975-76), St. Louis Cardinals (1970), Los Angeles Dodgers (1971), Chicago White Sox (1972-74…AL MVP in 1972) and Oakland A’s (1977), wearing #60. 15 total seasons, 7 All-Star teams, 351 home runs, .292 average. Phillies retired his #15 in 2020.

Hank played 11 years in the Minors and seven in the Majors (Washington Senators, 1966-70; Milwaukee Brewers, 1970 and White Sox, 1972-73). In 389 big-league games, he batted .241. Following his playing days, Hank was a major league scout for 19 years (Brewers, Houston Astros). (Hank died on May 29, 2024, at age 83.)

Ron played nine seasons in the Minors and 14 games in the Majors with the 1972 Cardinals.

Basketball

All three played basketball at Wampum High School. Hank and Dick were on the 1958 and 1960 state champions.

As a freshman, Ron played in one basketball game with his two older brothers. He scored over 1,000 points at Wampum. He went to Youngstown State University on a basketball scholarship (again scoring over 1,000 points) before pro ball.