Ron Allen (baseball) facts for kids

Ronald Frederick Allen was born on December 23, 1943. He is an American who used to play professional baseball. He played a short time 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 and Sports

Ron Allen was a star athlete at Wampum High School. His older brothers, Dick Allen and Hank Allen, also played sports there. Dick later became a famous baseball All-Star.

Basketball Achievements in High School

Ron was a top player on the Wampum High School basketball team. He played as a forward and center. He scored 1,195 points during his high school career. His team won the state championships in basketball in 1958 and 1960.

Ron was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of his section in his senior year. All of his brothers – Coy Craine Allen, Caesar Craine, Harold Allen, and Dick Allen – also earned this honor. They all played under coach Butler Hennon.

College Sports at Youngstown State

After high school, Ron went to Youngstown State University. He received a scholarship to play basketball there. He scored 1,001 points during his college career. He is also one of the top 25 players in career rebounds for the university. Ron Allen is a member of the Youngstown State University Hall of Fame.

Ron Allen's Professional Baseball Career

Ron Allen played professional baseball for several years. He started in the minor leagues before reaching Major League Baseball.

Playing in the Minor Leagues

Ron Allen first signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 13, 1964. He began his professional career with the Miami Marlins in the Florida State League. In 1967, he led the Carolina League with 100 RBIs while playing for the Tidewater Tides.

Before the 1970 season, he was traded to the New York Mets. Later, the St. Louis Cardinals got him before the 1972 season.

Ron Allen's Time 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. He played his first major league game 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. He successfully handled 30 out of 31 chances. This gave him a .968 fielding percentage.

Ron Allen's Only Major League Home Run

Ron Allen had his best day in the major leagues on August 17, 1972. This happened at San Diego Stadium. His teammate, Joe Torre, was ejected from the game in the eighth inning. Ron came in to replace him at first base.

In the very next inning, Ron got his only major league hit. It was a home run! He hit it against San Diego Padres pitcher Mike Corkins.

Ron Allen's Life After Baseball

After his baseball career, Ron Allen continued his education. He also left a legacy in baseball with his brothers.

Earning His College Degree

On August 14, 2010, Ron Allen earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He studied General Studies at Youngstown State University. He achieved this 46 years and 195 days after scoring his last point for the Penguins basketball team. He kept a promise he made to his mother to get his college degree.

Family Baseball Legacy

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