Chicago, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Dick Allen, one of baseball’s most electrifying and misunderstood sluggers, is the focus of a new documentary series, My Father, Dick Allen, which made its world premiere at SeriesFest on Saturday, May 9. The series, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Andy Billman, is an intimate tribute from Allen’s son, Richard “Doobie” Allen Jr., exploring the Hall of Fame induction of the Wampum, Pennsylvania native.
Dr. David Fletcher, an MLB historian and executive producer of the series, said Allen was the White Sox player who drew his attention and passion. “Dick Allen was my favorite player when I was a senior in high school in the Western Suburbs in 1972. That year, Dick Allen was like Michael Jordan later in Chicago. He saved the franchise I loved (along with the Cubs, since I consistently loved both Chicago baseball teams). He came on like a meteor streaking across the sky. He never got his due, and as a baseball historian, I wanted to bring his story to the forefront and honor what he did,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher added that his admiration deepened after discovering Allen’s role as a civil rights pioneer. “I felt a personal attachment to him, as the grandparent of three African-American grandchildren,” he said.
The docuseries, narrated by actor Jocko Sims, traces Allen Jr.’s emotional journey through his father’s posthumous Hall of Fame recognition—a story of resilience, rebellion, and long-overdue redemption. An exclusive Q&A following the screening included Billman, Fletcher, Allen Jr., and MLB Hall of Fame pitchers Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins and Richard “Goose” Gossage.
Asked if he plans to spotlight other Chicago sports figures, Fletcher said he is considering projects on several notable figures, including “Goose Gossage—the revenge of the Goose who started in Chicago and played MLB for 22 seasons,” Roland Hemond and William Veeck, Senior, whom he hopes to see elected to the Hall of Fame as executives, and Buck Weaver, portrayed by John Cusack in 8 Men Out.
“Each of these figures has a story worth telling, just like Dick Allen,” Fletcher said, underscoring his mission to highlight both sports excellence and cultural significance in Chicago baseball history.
