Ron Allen (baseball) facts for kids

Ronald Frederick Allen, born on December 23, 1943, is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972. Ron mostly played as a first baseman. He could hit from both sides of the plate (a switch-hitter) and threw with his right hand.

Ron Allen's Early Life

Ron Allen was a star athlete at Wampum High School. He played alongside his older brothers, Dick Allen and Hank Allen. Dick Allen later became a famous baseball All-Star and Hall of Fame member.

Ron was also a talented basketball player for Wampum High School. He scored 1,195 points in his high school basketball career. His team won state championships in 1958 and 1960. Ron was named the Section 20 MVP in his senior year. This award was also given to his brothers, Coy Craine Allen, Caesar Craine, Harold Allen, and Dick Allen.

After high school, Ron attended Youngstown State University on a basketball scholarship. He scored 1,001 points during his college career. He is also among the top 25 players for career rebounds at YSU. Ron Allen is a member of the Youngstown State University Hall of Fame.

Ron Allen's Baseball Career

Playing in the Minor Leagues

Ron Allen began his professional baseball journey after being signed by the Philadelphia Phillies on June 13, 1964. His first team was the Miami Marlins in the Florida State League.

In 1967, while playing for the Tidewater Tides, he led the Carolina League. He had 100 RBIs, which means he helped his team score 100 runs. Before the 1970 season, he was traded to the New York Mets. The St. Louis Cardinals then acquired him before the 1972 season.

Playing in Major League Baseball

Ron Allen's time in Major League Baseball was very short. He played in only seven games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972. His first major league game was on August 11, 1972. His last game was just ten days later, on August 21, 1972.

When he played first base, Ron was very good at fielding. In five games at first base, he successfully handled 30 out of 31 chances. This gave him a .968 fielding percentage.

Ron's most memorable day in the major leagues was on August 17, 1972. This game was played at San Diego Stadium. His teammate, Joe Torre, was ejected from the game. Ron came in to replace him at first base. In the very next inning, Ron hit his only major league hit. It was a home run against San Diego Padres pitcher Mike Corkins.

Ron Allen's Life After Baseball

Ron Allen continued his education after his baseball career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies. He received it from Youngstown State University on August 14, 2010. This was 46 years and 195 days after he scored his last point for the Penguins basketball team. He kept a promise he made to his mother to earn his college degree.

As of October 2006, the Allen brothers had a combined total of 358 home runs. This placed them at number 11 among all brother combinations in MLB history. Ron Allen has also been honored by being inducted into the Reading Phillies Hall of Fame.