In a significant moment for baseball history, the intersection of human mortality and baseball immortality was poignantly highlighted during the recent announcement of the Classic Baseball Era Committee’s voting results. This event served as a powerful reminder of the legacies left behind by iconic players. After four years of battling cancer, Dick Allen, who passed away at the age of 78, finally achieved the recognition he deserved by being elected into the Hall of Fame. Alongside him, 73-year-old Dave Parker, who has been bravely facing the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, also received this prestigious honor, marking a moment of both celebration and reflection for fans of the sport.

The committee, consisting of 16 members, convened during the Winter Meetings in Dallas and was tasked with evaluating eight candidates from various eras of baseball history. Each candidate had a significant impact on the game prior to 1980, but the challenge lay in comparing players from vastly different backgrounds and eras. For example, weighing the accomplishments of John Donaldson, a pitcher in the Negro Leagues from 1920–24, against those of Parker, whose career spanned from 1973–91, proved to be a complex undertaking. Voters were limited to selecting a maximum of three candidates, making the deliberations all the more challenging given the rich histories each player brought to the table.

Ultimately, Parker received overwhelming support, garnering 14 out of 16 votes (87.5%), while Allen closely followed with 13 votes (81.3%). Tommy John, in his fifth appearance on the Era Committee ballot, secured seven votes (43.8%). The remaining five candidates, including Ken Boyer, Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, and Luis Tiant, each received fewer than five votes, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process as well as the deep legacies of the top candidates.

In my assessment, Allen stood out as the most deserving candidate among those not linked to the Negro Leagues. Over a 15-year career, primarily with the Phillies, he made a remarkable impact on the game, earning seven All-Star selections and leading his league in OPS+ three times, home runs twice, and WAR once. His accolades include the NL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP awards, achieved in 1964 and 1972, respectively. With a career total of 351 home runs and an impressive batting average of .292/.378/.534, Allen’s legacy is further solidified by his notable 156 OPS+, which ranks him 14th all-time among players with at least 7,000 plate appearances. His contributions to the game are invaluable and a testament to his talent.

Despite accumulating 1,848 hits, Allen joins the ranks of 2022 Golden Days honoree Tony Oliva as one of the few post-1960 expansion era players in the Hall with fewer than 2,000 hits. This milestone often serves as a benchmark for evaluating player careers, sometimes unfairly overshadowing those whose careers were significantly impacted by external factors. While BBWAA voters have yet to recognize players who excelled in on-base skills and defense without reaching the 2,000-hit mark, there are emerging candidates like Andruw Jones and Chase Utley who are gaining traction in their Hall of Fame considerations.

Defensively, Allen faced challenges throughout his career, transitioning between third base, left field, and first base. His most significant contributions came while playing third base, where he ranks 17th in both WAR (58.7) and JAWS (52.3). Comparatively, Ken Boyer, who is slightly ahead with 62.8 WAR and 54.5 JAWS, had a less controversial career path, highlighting the challenges Allen faced beyond the diamond.

Moreover, Allen’s career was marred by societal issues, particularly the racism he endured during his time in the minor leagues and with the Phillies. His journey to becoming the first affiliated Black professional baseball player in Arkansas coincided with significant civil rights battles in the United States. Allen’s experience was marked by hostility and discrimination, as evidenced by a disturbing note left on his car after a game, underscoring the struggles he faced both on and off the field. This aspect of his legacy adds layers to his achievements and the resilience he demonstrated throughout his life.

The Philadelphia Phillies, known for being the last NL team to integrate, lagged behind in embracing diversity, reflecting the broader societal challenges of the time. Allen became a polarizing figure, often misrepresented in media narratives. Writers frequently disregarded his preference for the name Dick Allen, instead referring to him as Richie, indicating a lack of understanding and respect for his identity.

In defiance of the challenges he faced, Allen asserted his individuality, refusing to conform to societal expectations. His biographer, Mitchell Nathanson, eloquently captures this spirit in his work, stating that Allen did not succumb to media pressures or traditional management strategies, particularly in the face of the racial double standards that emerged in baseball following its integration.

Despite struggling to gain support on the BBWAA ballot from 1983 to 1997, Allen’s candidacy was revitalized by a grassroots campaign led by former Phillies groundskeeper Mark Carfagno. Although he narrowly missed election in 2015, the subsequent changes in the Era Committee led to his case being postponed until 2021. Tragically, after his passing in December 2020, Allen was again one vote shy during the committee’s meeting in December 2021. His eventual election serves as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, enhancing the significance of this honor in the context of his life.

Conversely, Parker’s election is a joyous occasion as he continues to contribute to the baseball community. Known for his five-tool abilities, Parker excelled as a power hitter, with a career total of 339 home runs and 2,712 hits, boasting a batting line of .290/.339/.471 (121 OPS+). Over his 19-year career with teams like the Pirates, Reds, and A’s, he earned seven All-Star selections and was regarded as one of the best all-around players of his era. His early career highlights include a World Series title, multiple MVP awards, and accolades for his defensive prowess, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.

Parker’s journey began as a 14th-round draft pick, overcoming injuries that derailed his initial pursuit of football. He debuted with the Pirates shortly after the passing of the legendary Roberto Clemente, stepping into a significant role as the team’s right fielder. Although Parker faced challenges related to substance abuse and injuries, he managed to regain his footing, making significant contributions to the teams he played for, including a World Series championship with the A’s in 1989.

Despite initially falling short on the BBWAA ballot, Parker’s legacy endured as he continued to accumulate impressive career totals. His journey through various ballots reflected the complexities of Hall of Fame considerations. Notably, the JAWS metric places him at 41st among right fielders, highlighting the challenges he faced defensively, especially later in his career when he transitioned to designated hitter duties. Nevertheless, Parker’s impact on the game transcends pure statistics, setting him apart from contemporaries like Harold Baines, who struggled to achieve similar recognition.

In assessing Parker’s candidacy, comparisons can be drawn to Dale Murphy, another player with a storied career but differing trajectories. Murphy, a two-time MVP, fell short on the 2023 Contemporary Baseball ballot. Their journeys reveal the varying standards and expectations placed on players, making the Hall of Fame process a nuanced and often subjective endeavor.

While my preference leans towards Allen as the most deserving non-PED-linked player, Parker’s resilience and contributions to the game are commendable. His autobiography, Cobra: A Life in Baseball and Brotherhood, offers deep insights into his life experiences and struggles, particularly his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease. As we celebrate these players’ achievements, it’s essential to recognize the value of honoring those who are still alive to appreciate the recognition, unlike players such as Tiant and Boyer who have passed away.

One of the more disappointing aspects of this voting cycle was the limited support for the two Negro Leagues candidates, who had previously gained traction on the Early Baseball ballot. Harris, a celebrated manager in the Negro Leagues, received 10 votes (62.5%), while Donaldson, a legendary pitcher, garnered eight votes (50%). The committee’s composition included knowledgeable scholars of the Negro Leagues, yet many believe that a dedicated panel of experts could provide a more comprehensive understanding of these candidates’ unique contributions and challenges.

This year’s 16-member committee was appointed by the Hall’s board of directors, consisting of various Hall of Famers, executives, and media members. Unlike previous years, this panel had fewer direct connections to the candidates, contributing to an objective evaluation process. With a blend of experience and perspective, the committee aimed to honor the contributions of players from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the complexities inherent in their paths to the Hall of Fame.

While the Era Committee process may have its imperfections, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the legacies of players who have shaped the game. Although not every voter may agree with the outcomes, the acknowledgment of Allen and Parker represents a meaningful step in honoring the diverse tapestry of baseball history.