Going AWOL in New York

Dick Allen at the track

The Philadelphia Phillies suspend Dick Allen and fine their enigmatic, All-Star first baseman $2,500 for missing a twi-night doubleheader 56 years ago today against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

Seems that Allen is late traveling to Shea after spending the afternoon watching the ponies race at a New Jersey’s Monmouth Park, where his horse, Trick Fire, is among the entrants.

While driving the 71-mile leg from Monmouth to Shea, Allen hears on the car radio that the Phillies are suspending him for his tardiness.

Instead of continuing his drive to the ballpark in Queens, Allen makes a U-turn and heads home to Philadelphia.

Dick Allen and manager George Myatt in 1969

He does not play again until July 24.

The Phillies also fine Allen $1,000 earlier in the 1969 season when for two straight days he arrives late at the ballpark.

The Phillies – much to the delight of Allen and their frustrated fans – trade their most gifted player following the 1969 season to St. Louis.

“I’m no angel, but I haven’t done anything more than others have done,” Allen tells reporters after joining the Cardinals for spring training in 1970.

“I don’t think I’m as bad as I’m made out to be. I did things in Philadelphia, but I don’t have any intention of doing those things in St. Louis. I came here with the intention of playing ball.”

Allen does, but only for one season.

Then, the Cardinals trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who after sharing just one summer with Allen in Southern California regift him to the Chicago White Sox for his fourth team in as many seasons.

Allen eventually finds his way back to the Phillies in 1975 before finishing out his career in 1977 with the Oakland Athletics.

Allen is only 35 years old when he plays his last game in the majors.

He leaves the game with a Hall of Fame career that includes a .292 batting average over 1,749 games with 351 home runs and 1,119 runs batted in,

He also wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1964 with the Phillies and an American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1972 with the White Sox.