Former White Sox star Dick Allen returns to Chicago after 38 years away
It took 38 years, but Dick Allen finally returned to Chicago.
The former White Sox star met with the media Monday at U.S. Cellular Field, sharing stories and reflecting on his time in Chicago. Allen entertained questions about the highlights of his career ranging from his two inside-the-park home run game to his 1972 American League MVP.
“You guys are making me feel like a star,” Allen joked. “We should have been here years ago.”
Allen called his three-year stint in Chicago the best years of his baseball life and repeatedly thanked the Chicago Baseball Museum, the White Sox and the city of Chicago throughout the hourlong news conference.
“I didn’t get a chance to (say thank you) while being here all those years ago, but I do get a chance to do it now,” Allen said. “I say it with all sincerity and from my heart.”
Allen currently resides in Pennsylvania where he played nine of his 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Before coming to the Sox, Allen spent one year with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals and played his final season with the Oakland Athletics in 1977.
The White Sox traded for Allen in 1971 after four straight losing seasons — including a franchise-record 106 losses in 1970. There was speculation then that the Cubs may soon be the only Major League Baseball team in town, but Allen and the 1972 White Sox rejuvenated the franchise and its fans with an 87-67 season. The team finished with the second-best record in the American League, but finished second in the Western Division to eventual World Series champion Oakland.
“I think that people really came to grips that we might lose this franchise,” Allen said. “I’m glad that we put a little over 1.2 million in the seats all the way from 400,000 (495,355 in 1970).”
Allen finished with a league leading 113 RBIs and 37 home runs as well as a .308 batting average in 1972 and was awarded with the AL MVP, the second in franchise history.
The current White Sox are wearing throwback uniforms at every Sunday home game to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1972 team. Allen is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the June 24 game against the Milwaukee Brewers at U.S. Cellular Field. He and other members of the 1972 team will be honored at the game in conjunction with a tribute fundraiser by the Chicago Baseball Museum the following day.
“I don’t really know how to express trying to take all the credit and the accolades from ’72,” Allen said. “Without those fellas there is no me, and I’d like to think that with no me, there wouldn’t have been the ’72 Sox.”
Allen never played in a World Series and has been left off Hall of Fame ballots, but he insists he has no regrets from his playing days — except maybe not playing in Chicago longer.
“This is where baseball really should have started for me and ended right here,” he said.