PENNSYLVANIA, July 21 - WHEREAS, In 1965, an estimated 529-footer cleared the Coca-

Cola sign on the center left outfield roof of Connie Mack

Stadium; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen emanated strength and persisted as a power

hitter despite racism and abuse from fans, sports media and

fellow players on and off the field, as when a teammate

intentionally swung a bat at his head during practice, or when

obscenities and racial epithets came from the stands; and

WHEREAS, Fans witnessed Mr. Allen's courage as others

showered fruit, garbage and even flashlight batteries when he

took the field; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen adapted to this growing threat by wearing

his batting helmet while playing his position in the field to

protect against projectiles; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen pursued a high level of play and

exemplified integrity while befriending and mentoring other

baseball greats, including Phillies' Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt;

and

WHEREAS, Mr. Schmidt described Mr. Allen as having been

unfairly treated by the sports media:

Dick was a sensitive Black man who refused to be treated as a

second-class citizen.... Imagine what Dick could've

accomplished as a player in another era, on another team,

left alone to hone his skills, to be confident, to come to

the ballpark every day and just play baseball;

and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Phillies, in tribute to Mr. Allen's

iconic status, retired his jersey number, No. 15, on September

3, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen also had a love for singing, including a

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