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Newt Allen Considered the best second baseman during the 1920s and early 1930s, wide-ranging, slick-fielding Newt Allen was superb on the pivot in turning a double play. Although primarily a second baseman, he was a fine infielder at any position. The 5'7 1/2", 170-pounder was an aggressive baserunner and a rough slider. Allen, a switch-hitter, hit consistently from both sides of the plate. A good bunter with good bat control who went with the pitch, he was an ideal player to have hit in the second slot in the line-up. Two winter seasons in Cuba yielded a .278 average, and he hit for a .301 average against major leaguers in exhibitions. His 22-year career was spent almost entirely with the Kansas City Monarchs. He sparked the defense in the Monarch's championship seasons of 1923-25 and 1929. In the World Series of 1924 and 1925 he hit .282 and .259, respectively. The following year, when the Monarchs won the first-half championship, he hit .264 for the season and in 1929 he hit an even .300. Allen left the Monarchs for the 1931 season to play with the champion St. Louis Stars. Returning to the Monarchs again, he hit .290 in 1936 when the Monarchs were an independent team. The next year the Monarchs entered the newly formed Negro American League and promptly dominated the new league, wining five of the first six pennants. Just as he had played in the first World Series in 1924, he also played in the first World Series played between the Negro American League and the older Negro National League in 1942. The Monarchs defeated the great Homestead Grays, with Allen contributing a .267 batting average while playing at third base. Popular with the fans even in the latter years of his career, he was selected to the East-West All-Star game four times, 1936, 1937, 1938 and 1941. Years Played: |
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