Phillies' Dick Allen gets a mural

Phillies’ Dick Allen gets a mural

Artist Ernel Martinez knows something bigger is at stake with his mural of Phillies legend Dick Allen.

Why it matters: Baseball’s Hall of Fame voters have snubbed Allen so far, but his fans hope the mural will help cement his rightful place in history.

• Allen was a trailblazer who endured racism and death threats as a minor leaguer playing in Arkansas, per the Inquirer.
• His resume rivals Hall-of-Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., but he’s twice come up a single vote shy of being inducted. He’s on the ballot again in 2026.

Driving the news: Martinez was at Phillies’ spring training last week leading a group of fans who helped paint panels to comprise the sprawling South Broad Street canvas near Citizens Bank Park.

• The mural, a series of portraits capturing Allen at different stages in his career, could be unveiled by Mural Arts Philadelphia in late summer or early fall when the playoff race heats up.

What they’re saying: It will feel like a vintage baseball card, Martinez tells us. He says it shows Hall of Fame voters how Philly feels about the late Allen.

• “Hopefully, this mural can play a small role in maintaining that momentum,” Martinez says.
• “Keep the energy going, keep his name out there.”

Zoom out: Allen’s son, Richard, told the Inquirer in 2021 that his father was probably “laughing” at the latest snub.

Yes, but: Many Philadelphians are proud Allen is finally getting some due.

• “Sometimes you hit a metaphorical home run,” Martinez says of the mural.

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