Dave Parker, the 1978 National League MVP known for his powerful arm and consistent hitting, and Dick Allen, the feared slugger who won the 1972 American League MVP, have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Parker, 73, played from 1973 to 1991, batting .290 with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBIs. A seven-time All-Star, Parker was a standout player for the Pittsburgh Pirates and later the Oakland Athletics. Allen, who passed away in 2020, played from 1963 to 1977, hitting .292 with 351 home runs and 1,119 RBIs. He also earned seven All-Star selections and was known for his incredible power at the plate.
The Voting Process
The Classic Baseball Era Committee considered candidates who made significant contributions to the sport before 1980. The 16-person panel included Hall of Famers like Paul Molitor, Eddie Murray, and Ozzie Smith, along with executives and historians. To be inducted, candidates needed at least 12 votes.
Parker received 14 votes, and Allen secured 13, surpassing the threshold. They will be formally inducted on July 27, alongside players selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose votes will be announced in January.
Other notable candidates included pitcher Tommy John, Negro Leagues stars John Donaldson and Vic Harris, and former players like Steve Garvey and Luis Tiant. Only John received more than five votes, but he still fell short of induction.
Dave Parker’s Journey
Nicknamed “The Cobra,” Parker was among the most dominant players in the late 1970s, winning back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and 1978. In his MVP-winning season, he hit .334 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs. He also won two World Series titles: one with the Pirates in 1979 and another with the Athletics in 1989.
Known for his incredible throwing arm, Parker made iconic plays, including two game-saving throws in the 1979 All-Star Game. However, his career faced challenges, including injuries, weight issues, and struggles with drug use.
Parker revitalized his career with the Cincinnati Reds in the mid-1980s, finishing second in MVP voting in 1985 with a .312 average, 34 home runs, and a league-leading 125 RBIs. Later, he became a respected veteran for the Athletics, mentoring younger stars like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco.
Despite peaking at only 24.5% of votes during his time on the BBWAA ballot, Parker’s career stats—2,712 hits, 339 home runs, 1,493 RBIs, and a .290 average—finally earned him a place in Cooperstown.
Dick Allen’s Legacy
Dick Allen was one of the most powerful hitters of his era, leading his league in OPS four times and slugging percentage three times. His peak years from 1964 to 1974 saw him rank among the top players in home runs, RBIs, and WAR.
Allen’s 1972 MVP season with the Chicago White Sox included a .308 average, 37 home runs, and 113 RBIs. His rookie season in 1964 with the Philadelphia Phillies remains legendary, as he hit .318 while leading the league in total bases and runs scored.
Despite his achievements, Allen’s career was marked by controversy, including racial abuse during his time in the minor leagues and frequent team trades. Modern analytics, however, have highlighted his greatness, with his OPS+ of 156 ranking among the best in baseball history—tied with Frank Thomas and higher than legends like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
Allen’s lack of traditional milestones, such as fewer than 2,000 career hits, hurt his case during his 15 years on the BBWAA ballot, where he peaked at 18.9%. However, his election by the committee finally acknowledges his contributions to the game.
A Long-Awaited Honor
The inductions of Parker and Allen celebrate two players who excelled in different ways: Parker with his all-around talent and durability, and Allen with his raw power and influence during a challenging era. Their legacies will now be immortalized in Cooperstown, giving fans and historians another chance to celebrate their remarkable careers.(*)
Source: Espn.com
