This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
As disruptive as Dick Allen allegedly was, his wide range of diamond talents could not be ignored. The 1964 National League Rookie of the Year, Allen went on to launch 351 home runs over a suspension and controversy-rife career of 15 (mostly) troubled seasons. But beyond his long ball prowess, Allen was (at different junctures of his career) to lead the league in varied categories the likes of home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, extra-base hits, runs scored, triples, total bases, strikeouts, walks and times on base—and finished in the top 10 in stolen bases on two occasions. In spite of being labeled a loner and a clubhouse poison, Allen still managed to be darn near Cooperstown worthy. Here is the uniform from his rookie year in the City of Brotherly Love, where the love for Allen never quite seemed in tandem with the mammoth home runs and gaudy RBI totals. The Size 40 Wilson-tagged masterpiece reveals wonderful game use, good color retention of the Phillies red on the intricately embroidered No. 15 on the back and the distinctive “Phillies” script on the front. The jersey, like the man himself, was no frills and all business; Allen’s name is embroidered in black on the collar and a chain stitched “1964” tag is found on the front directly beneath the Wilson tag. The red Phillies pinstripes are still robust and vivid, and there is no evidence of any alterations whatsoever. The great slugger himself has added a sterling bold autograph on the lower front, complete with inscriptions “’64 N.L. R.O.Y. My Rookie Jersey.” This is an incredible piece of history that marks the occasion of both a historic pennant race and the debut of one of the great talents of the era.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto.).