Two former Phillies were up for the Hall of Fame as the Veterans Committee cast votes for the "Golden Era" of baseball. According to many published reports, including this one from CBS Sports, two former Phillies on the ballot were not elected. Dick Allen, former Phillies third baseman and first baseman from 1963-1969 and 1975-1976, missed election by one vote. Jim "Kitty" Kaat, who pitched for the Phillies from 1976 through 1969, missed election by two votes.
Allen was National League Rookie of the Year in 1964 when he made his debut as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. When Allen moved on to the American League after the 1969 season, he continued to hit. Allen's best season may have been 1972, when he was American League MVP. Allen was elected to the Phillies Wall of Fame in 1994. Lifetime, Allen batted .292 with 351 home runs and 1119 RBI.
Brian Kenny of Sports on Earth made a compelling argument for Allen a few days ago, noting that he ranks among some of the most prolifient right-handed hitters in the game. While putting up the numbers, Allen endured some vicious racism in the 1960s while encountering some personal problems. Allen's initial exit from the Phillies was a rough one; Allen demanded a trade after losing favor with the Phillies. However, Allen did return to the organization that he made his first impression with in 1975.
Kaat went 283-237 in his career with a 3.45 ERA. Kaat's Phillies years were not among his best seasons. Kaat's best season came in 1966, when Kaat went 25-13 with 19 complete games. Kaat has also had a long broadcasting career that includes ESPN and many years calling baseball games, including now with the New York Yankees.
The Golden Era will once again be up for vote in 2017, so Allen and Kaat will have another opportunity for election. CBS Sports notes that the Veteran's Committee considers three eras: the Pre-Integration Era (1893-1946), the Golden Era (1947-1972), and the Expansion Era (1972-present). The report notes that Phillies Interim President Pat Gillick is one of the voters.
