On December 7th, at the age of 78, Dick Allen passed away in his hometown of Wampum, PA. Allen, a Rookie of the Year, a seven-time All-Star, and a league MVP in his 15 major league seasons touched the hearts of many, and was remembered by fans (especially of the Phillies and White Sox), and by writers alike.
Allen’s passing has been the biggest story of the week, because it’s one more name in a list of baseball legends who we lost this year. But Allen’s passing feels extra difficult right now as Hall of Fame ballots circulate, because in spite of all his career accolades, it was an achievement Allen never got in his lifetime.