When I first became interested in baseball, Dick Allen was in his first year with my Chicago White Sox. In his previous nine seasons, Allen’s résumé included a Rookie of the Year award and four All-Star appearances. Allen delivered in his first year with the White Sox, taking home the Most Valuable Player award.

Despite earning All-Star nods in each of his three seasons with the White Sox, he was traded back to the Philadelphia Phillies, his first team. He retired three seasons later, finishing his career with 1,848 hits; 351 home runs; and a .292 batting average. He left behind a complicated legacy.

The powerful slugger stayed on the Hall of Fame ballot for the maximum years without garnering enough votes for enshrinement. Allen topped out at 18.9 percent, falling short of the 75 percent requirement. For years, though, the debate raged as Allen’s case went to the Veterans Committee, who finally elected him in 2025.

Last night at the Chicago History Museum, I attended the Chicago premiere of My Father, Dick Allen, recapping Allen’s long journey to Cooperstown. Seen through the eyes of his son, Richard, Jr., the film project started as a one-hour documentary, but quickly turned into a five-part series. At the Chicago premiere, parts one and four were shown.

Fittingly, the evening started with legendary White Sox organist Nancy Faust setting the mood by playing classics. Faust is credited with inventing individual walk-up music for playing “Jesus Christ Superstar” whenever Allen came to bat.

Nancy Faust

The event officially started with host veteran sportscaster Kenny McReynolds briefly discussing the film. The first part focused on Allen’s early days in Wampum, Pennsylvania. The second part (actually the fourth in the series) featured Allen’s time with the White Sox. The parts included rare footage and interviews with baseball Hall of Famers and former teammates including Fergie Jenkins and Goose Gossage, along with family; friends; and his widow, Willa.

Kenny McReynolds

Much like Allen, the film has many layers. It shows Allen facing racial harassment in the minor leagues as well as in Philadelphia. It doesn’t sugarcoat problems with his teams. It also shows the dedicated family man.

After the screening, McReynolds hosted a discussion. Jenkins, Allen Jr. and others gave their thoughts on the film. The evening ended with a Allen’s widow expressing her joy with the project.

(Left to right) Richard Allen, Jr., Andy Billman, Dr. David Fletcher, John Owens, Fergie Jenkins and Kenny McReynolds.

Richard Allen, Jr.

David Fletcher

Allen was a big part of my early baseball fandom. Thursday night was a heartwarming, feelgood night.

While baseball is the backdrop, My Father, Dick Allen is so much more. It is the tale of a black man battling adversity during the Civil Rights era while becoming one of the most successful yet, often, most-polarizing players. My Father, Dick Allen creates a new understanding of one of the most misunderstood athletes.

— John Wroblewski, online writer