June 26, 2014 I have been the front desk receptionist and switchboard operator for the Philadelphia Phillies for the past 33 years. I was introduced to Dick Allen in 1988 by former Phillies coach and front office employee Robert “Maje” McDonnell. From that day on I have established almost a family type relationship with him. I found Mr. Allen to be a very quiet and somewhat shy type of person but he would open up to me on things that I never knew of because I was too young to remember when he played. He told me that he grew up in the the town of Wampum, Pa. and that every race was treated the same. I found out through others that Dick Allen was a really great high school baseball and basketball player and was recruited by more than 100 colleges to play basketball ball but chose baseball instead. It was when he was signed by the Phillies that his mother finally had to tell her teenage son that all towns and cities were not like Wampum. She said he would experience some segregation and racial comments about the color of his skin. He said his mother was somewhat reluctant to let her son leave Wampum but finally relented and off he went to Clearwater Florida for his first Spring Training. His mother had told him that most of the people in the world were really nice people, but if he encountered any adversity, to be strong, have faith in God and just go out and play the game you love. When he got off the plane in Tampa, he began to see what his mother was talking about. There were restrooms for white people and separate restrooms for blacks. Also, the restaurants, hotels and motels were mostly segregated. It was at this time that Dick Allen found the type of nice person that his mother was talking about. He was a little short gentleman and was one of the trainers during spring training and also in the minor leagues. His name was Pete Cera. Dick told me that Pete watched over him like a mother would her child. He made sure that Dick would eat and have a place to live and sleep. Pete would buy food for Dick in restaurants that would not allow blacks to eat. Pete would sneak some food out to Dick or get him a

takeout meal if he was permitted. He would often give up his own bed so Dick would be very comfortable for the next day’s game or practice. When Dick told his mother about him, she immediately contacted Pete and thanked him for all he had done and asked for Pete to continue to watch over her son and that the Lord would bless him more. Throughout Dick Allen’s minor and major league career Pete Cera and Dick Allen always remained real close. In fact Mrs. Allen said that Pete Cera is part of the Allen family. Dick told me that when you walked into the Allen house in Wampum, the first thing one would notice is a big picture of Pete Cera. I later found out that when Dick Allen returned to Philadelphia in May of 1975 that the Phillies held a press conference. After the press conference the Phillies PR staff wanted to take Dick down to the playing field for some photos. While walking down the tunnel towards the field and surrounded by the media Dick Allen hollered out “Where’s Pete?” He knew that Pete was promoted to the big league team as an Assistant Equipment Manager. When Dick found out that there was a side entrance to the clubhouse near the tunnel and that Pete Cera was inside, he stopped the entourage and went inside to give Pete a big hug and kiss. I later found out that Dick Allen was well liked by all the stadium workers, including groundskeepers, ushers, ticket takers, and security guards. Dick Allen liked talking to the so-called “little people.” Being the type of person he was, he wasn’t one who wanted to be in the limelight He later told me about his playing years in Philadelphia during the 1960’s. It was brought to my attention that Dick Allen was the Jackie Robinson of the Phillies. He was subject to horrible racial connotations and very loud booing by the fans but he continued to play and never complained. Dick told me that all he wanted to do was play the game, have fun and when the game was over just go home. Knowing his personality as I do now, I can fully understand him being that way. In closing I would like to say, that Dick Allen is a first class person. He treats me with respect and when he stops by the office he makes it a point to come and see me and always ask about my family and children. Even when he calls the office asking for another party, he will first ask about myself and family.

I heard that he was a very powerful and great hitter and that pitchers feared him when he came up to bat. All I can add to that is, some say he is a Hall Of Fame player. I say he is definitely a Hall of Fame Person. Sincerely, Kelly Di Giacomo

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