Dave Parker, Dick Allen get Classic Baseball Era bids into HOF

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will have at least two new members this summer.

Outfielder Dave Parker and first and third baseman Dick Allen were voted into the Hall of Fame on the Classic Baseball Era ballot. Parker received 14 of 16 votes while Allen received 13 votes. Pitcher Tommy John, who received seven votes, was the only other player on the ballot to receive more than five votes.

Allen's induction is bittersweet as he passed away at 78 years old in 2020. Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage was an ardent supporter of Allen, saying on The White Sox Podcast with Chuck Garfein that "they shouldn't even hall a Hall of Fame if Dick Allen isn't in it."

Allen was a feared power hitter and run producer over his 15 year career. A seven-time All-Star, Allen was the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year and 1972 AL MVP. He posted a .292/.378/.534 batting line in his 7315 plate appearances, hitting 351 homers. Allen led the league in homers twice and ranks 25th all-time with a 156 OPS+, tied with fellow White Sox legend Frank Thomas.

Parker was a key part of the "we are family" Pirates in the late 1970s. He was a stellar all-around player, as feared at the plate as he was for his throwing arm in the outfielder. Parker was a seven-time All-Star, won three Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, won a pair of batting titles and was named the 1978 NL MVP. 

He produced a .290/.339/471 batting line in 10184 plate appearances over 19 seasons, hitting 339 homers and 524 doubles. 

Parker's exploits in the 1979 All-Star Game continue to live on. He notched a pair of outfield assists en route to being named the MVP, throwing out Jim Rice at third and Brian Downing at home. His throw to nail Downing at the plate remains a staple in highlight reels to this day.