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Posted By: Justin

Bill James has a great write up about Dick Allen in the New Historical Abstract, in which he talks about Allen being a horrible influence on his teams in that he created divisiveness in the clubhouse and undermined everyone he played for. Statistically I agree that Allen has a legit shot at the HOF, but if one looks beyond the numbers and at his attitude, personality, and overall impact I think its very debateable, and is also the reason he isn't in. And the reason his career is so short is that he "retired" for a season in his peak, and was such an unwanted character that teams didn't want him around even if he could play.

I think Jim Rice is very similar in some ways, and deserves a better look.