Bernie Allen – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bernie Allen ended his Major League Baseball career in 1973 after twelve seasons as a reliable infielder for four teams. The left-handed hitter from East Liverpool, Ohio, played his final game on September 19, 1973, with the Montreal Expos, closing out a journey that started with the Minnesota Twins in 1962.

Allen’s path to pro baseball was a little different from most. He starred as both a quarterback and baseball player at Purdue University before deciding to chase a career on the diamond.

His success in two sports during college showed off the athletic versatility that helped him in the majors. He mostly played second base, but he also saw time at third.

Over his career, Allen put up a .239 batting average with 73 home runs and 352 RBIs in 1,141 games. His story gives us a look at the life of a steady pro who went through rookie recognition and the challenges of switching teams and roles for more than a decade in the majors.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Bernie Allen’s journey to professional baseball started in East Liverpool, Ohio. He grew up in an athletic family that encouraged his love for many sports.

His natural talent made him one of the most celebrated athletes in his high school’s history.

East Liverpool Roots and Family

Bernard Keith Allen was born on April 16, 1939, in East Liverpool, Ohio. Thurman and Fern Allen raised him along with his four siblings.

His dad, “Thurm,” really shaped Bernie’s athletic interests. Thurm played baseball himself and kept a lifelong passion for golf.

Thurman Allen worked at the Smith and Phillips Furniture Company for 47 years. He eventually became vice president and general manager before retiring in 1981.

This stable home life gave Bernie the support he needed to chase his sports dreams.

The Allen family’s athletic genes definitely played a part in Bernie’s development. His father’s baseball background and love for sports made competition and physical activity a natural part of life.

High School Achievements

Bernie Allen really stood out at East Liverpool High School, excelling in three major sports.

His versatility made him one of the most celebrated athletes the school ever had.

Allen starred in baseball, football, and basketball while at East Liverpool. His basketball skills especially grabbed attention, and he earned High School All-American honors.

His achievements were so impressive that the school inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. He was even part of the first class, which says a lot about his status there.

When Allen graduated in 1957, college programs from all over noticed his athletic talent. Even though he got scholarship offers for other sports, his heart was really in baseball.

Multi-Sport Career at Purdue University

Bernie Allen made his mark at Purdue as one of the school’s best two-sport athletes. He played starting quarterback for the Boilermakers and was also baseball team MVP.

He earned six varsity letters and became a standout in the tough Big Ten Conference.

Football Success as Quarterback

Allen started out at Purdue as the sixth of nine quarterbacks on the freshman team. Injuries to others moved him up the depth chart.

By his sophomore year, he made varsity. He started as a defensive back on what many considered the best defensive team in the country. Late in the season, he got some reps at quarterback too.

Allen’s junior year in 1959 saw him step up big. When Ross Fichtner, the starting QB, broke his collarbone, Allen took over and kept the job through his senior year.

The 1960 season was the highlight of Allen’s football career. He led the Purdue Boilermakers to two huge wins.

On October 15, Purdue upset third-ranked Ohio State 24-21 at home. Allen kicked the game-winning field goal, which was especially sweet since Ohio State’s coach Woody Hayes once told him he was “too small to play football in the Big Ten.”

A month later, Allen quarterbacked Purdue to an even bigger upset, beating number one-ranked Minnesota 23-14 on the road. That win later played a role in his baseball career decision.

Baseball Stardom with the Boilermakers

But really, Allen’s passion was baseball. He found his greatest college success there and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player twice during his three varsity seasons.

Allen hit consistently well, putting up a .360 batting average over his college baseball career. That kind of hitting drew plenty of attention from major league scouts.

Playing baseball at Purdue gave Allen the stage to show what he could do. The New York Yankees were among the MLB teams that showed strong interest in signing him.

Allen’s commitment to baseball sometimes clashed with football coach Jack Mollenkopf. Mollenkopf told Allen he “wouldn’t even make the baseball team” and pushed him to drop baseball for football.

Still, Allen stuck to his baseball dreams. He made it clear that baseball was his top priority, even though his scholarship was for football because full baseball scholarships were rare.

Big Ten Accolades and Honors

Allen’s senior football season ended with him being named the football team’s MVP in 1960. This was despite his open preference for baseball and his ongoing disagreements with the football coaches.

His stats as a senior quarterback were impressive for the time. Allen completed 59 percent of his passes for 765 yards and five touchdowns, even in a run-heavy offense. He also led the team in scoring with 54 points.

He did a bit of everything—rushed for four touchdowns, kicked 21 extra points and three field goals, and punted 38 times for a 34.9-yard average. Over three varsity seasons, he completed 49 percent of his passes for 1,200 yards.

The Big Ten Conference took notice of Allen’s dual-sport abilities. Competing at a high level in both football and baseball, while keeping up with schoolwork, earned him the respect of coaches and teammates.

Allen wrapped up his college career with six varsity letters between the two sports. That’s a pretty rare achievement and speaks to his dedication and talent.

Path to Major League Baseball

Bernie Allen’s move from college star to professional baseball began when he signed with the Minnesota Twins. He spent a season in the minors before making his MLB debut in 1962.

Signing with Minnesota Twins

After finishing up at Purdue, Allen signed with the Minnesota Twins. He’d already built a strong reputation as an athlete with the Boilermakers.

He earned All-American shortstop honors in 1961, plus six varsity letters and two Team MVP awards for baseball. He also quarterbacked the Purdue football team.

The Twins saw Allen’s potential and brought him into their farm system. That move kicked off his pro baseball career.

Allen would spend five seasons with the Twins at the major league level.

Time with Charlotte in Minor Leagues

Allen started his pro career with the Charlotte team in the Twins’ minor league system. He played 80 games for Class A Charlotte in his first year.

That season gave him a chance to adjust to pro ball and work on his skills.

The time in Charlotte helped Allen sharpen his defense and hitting. He did well enough to earn a promotion.

Playing in Charlotte gave Allen valuable experience against tougher competition. That minor league year helped get him ready for the big leagues.

Transition to the Major Leagues

Allen’s strong year in Charlotte led to his promotion to the Minnesota Twins’ major league roster. He debuted on Opening Day, April 10, 1962, at second base.

Allen was just 22 years old when he made his first appearance in the majors.

The Twins needed someone at second base after Billy Martin left a week earlier. Allen stepped in and got a triple in four at-bats on Opening Day.

His rookie season drew plenty of attention. He made the 1962 Topps All-Star Rookie Roster and finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Tom Tresh and Buck Rodgers.

Major League Career Overview

Bernie Allen played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1962 to 1973. He hit .239 with 73 home runs and 352 RBIs in 1,141 games.

He suited up for four teams, starting with five years as the Minnesota Twins’ main second baseman before moving on to Washington, then brief stints with the Yankees and Expos.

Minnesota Twins Years

Allen’s MLB debut came on April 10, 1962, when he took over second base from Billy Martin. He started off strong, hitting a triple in four at-bats against the Kansas City Athletics.

That rookie year landed him on the 1962 Topps All-Star Rookie Roster. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting, behind Tom Tresh and Buck Rodgers.

Allen became Minnesota’s regular second baseman from 1962 to 1966. He played more than 900 games at the position during his career, showing real consistency and reliability in the field.

In 1964, Allen hit three consecutive home runs for the Twins. That was such a big deal that one of his bats from that streak ended up in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Trade to Washington Senators

After the 1966 season, the Twins traded Allen and pitcher Camilo Pascual to the Washington Senators. Minnesota got pitcher Ron Kline in return.

Allen spent five seasons with Washington, from 1967 to 1971. He mostly played second base but also took some turns at third.

By 1971, Allen split his time between second and third base. That flexibility helped keep his career going as he adjusted to new roles.

The Senators later moved to Dallas-Fort Worth and became the Texas Rangers. Allen, though, was traded before he could play for the team in Texas.

Playing for the New York Yankees

At the Winter Meetings on December 2, 1971, Washington traded Allen to the New York Yankees. Terry Ley and Gary Jones went to the Senators in exchange.

Allen joined the Yankees as a utility player, backing up both second and third base. His role was smaller than it had been with other teams.

He spent the full 1972 season with New York, bringing experience and depth to their infield. In 1973, he appeared in 17 games before his time with the Yankees ended.

Final Season with Montreal Expos

The Montreal Expos bought Allen’s contract from the Yankees during the 1973 season. That gave him one last shot to keep playing in the majors.

Allen’s time in Montreal was short. The Expos released him just two months after picking him up.

His final MLB appearance was on September 19, 1973, against the Chicago Cubs. Allen went 1-for-3 with two RBIs in his last big league game.

That 1973 season closed out Allen’s 12-year pro career. He’d made a name for himself as a reliable middle infielder for four different teams.

Playing Style and Positions

Bernie Allen built his reputation as a steady middle infielder with solid defense and adaptability. His ability to play more than one position made him a valuable utility player, especially in his later years when he split time between second and third base.

Role as a Second Baseman

Allen made his mark as a dependable second baseman early on with the Minnesota Twins. He played over 900 games at second base during his time in the majors.

In his rookie season in 1962, Allen jumped into the starting role and quickly showed he could handle the job. He didn’t waste time proving himself at second base.

Switching from college shortstop to professional second baseman forced Allen to adjust his defensive approach. He learned new angles, different positioning, and kept his reflexes sharp for double plays.

Allen batted left-handed, which brought some offensive balance to his defensive focus. His .239 career average really reflected his reputation as a defense-first player, not so much a slugger.

Defensive Skills and Versatility

Allen didn’t just stick to second base as his career went on. By 1971, he split time between second and third, showing off his adaptability.

At 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, Allen had the right build for both spots. Managers valued his ability to play all over the infield, especially when they needed some roster flexibility.

When he moved to third base later in his career, Allen showed he’d do what the team needed. That versatility definitely helped him stick around with different clubs.

Back then, teams put a lot of value on defense, especially from middle infielders. Allen’s glove work really mattered during that era.

Influence of Billy Martin

Billy Martin’s exit from the Twins opened the door for Allen’s major league debut. Martin had been the team’s second baseman before he left.

The Twins put Allen right into Martin’s old spot just a week before Opening Day in 1962. That timing turned out to be huge for Allen’s development.

People constantly compared Allen to Martin, who was already established. Allen definitely felt the pressure to prove he belonged in that role.

With Martin gone, Allen’s steady play helped the Twins keep things solid at second base during a pretty big transition.

Statistical Highlights and Achievements

Bernie Allen played 12 seasons from 1962 to 1973, finishing with a .239 batting average, 73 home runs, and 352 RBIs in 1,139 games. His best seasons came early with Minnesota, and in 1962 he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.

Batting Performance and Home Runs

Allen racked up 815 hits during his big league career, with his best offensive numbers in 1962. That rookie year, he hit .269 with 154 hits in 159 games for the Twins.

His power numbers stayed pretty modest overall. Allen’s career-high was 12 home runs in 1962, and he didn’t get close again until 1972 with the Yankees, when he hit 9.

Career Batting Highlights:

• Best Season: 1962 (.269 BA, 12 HR, 64 RBI)
• Total Hits: 815
• Doubles: 140
• Triples: 21

After his rookie year, Allen’s batting average dropped off. In 1967 with Washington, he struggled and hit just .193 in 87 games.

Seasonal and Career WAR

Allen peaked at 2.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in his rookie season, 1962. He finished his career with 9.3 WAR, most of it coming with Minnesota and Washington.

Most seasons, Allen kept his WAR positive, but he dipped into the negatives in 1965 and 1973. His best stretch came from 1968 to 1971 with Washington, posting WAR values of 0.5, 1.9, 1.0, and 1.7.

Allen’s defense really helped his value. Even when his bat cooled off, his glove kept him in the lineup.

Notable Moments and Honors

In 1962, Allen finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting, which really put a spotlight on his strong debut season with Minnesota.

He played 159 games that rookie year, which says a lot about his durability. Allen’s ability to handle both second and third base made him a valuable asset for several teams.

In his final season, 1973, Allen played for both the Yankees and Montreal Expos. He wrapped up his career on September 19, 1973, against the Cubs, getting 1 hit in 3 at-bats.

Retirement and Legacy

Bernie Allen wrapped up his 12-year Major League career in 1973 with the Montreal Expos, closing out a run that started with his college football days at Purdue. After baseball, Allen received some unique Hall of Fame recognition for his rare home run achievements.

Final Season in 1973

Allen’s last season was split between the Yankees and Expos. The Yankees sold him to Montreal during the year, and he played his final game on September 19, 1973.

His body started telling him it was time to step away. Allen said later, “My body told me that it was time to do something else. Baseball wasn’t fun, it was hard work.”

That 1973 season capped a career of 1,141 games with four teams. He ended up with a .239 average, 73 homers, and 352 RBIs.

Allen’s journey from Purdue University quarterback to major league second baseman really came full circle. His success with the Purdue Boilermakers football team, especially their 1960 win over the undefeated Minnesota Gophers, helped him develop the competitive edge that served him well in baseball.

Post-Baseball Recognitions

Allen carved out a unique spot in baseball history with his back-to-back home run streaks. You can actually find one of his bats on permanent display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

They put his bat there after he blasted three consecutive home runs for the Minnesota Twins in 1964. Then, almost unbelievably, he pulled it off again in 1972 as a Yankee, this time during an exhibition against the Dodgers at Cooperstown.

The Hall of Fame folks loved what he did and decided to enshrine his bat right away. For Allen, that bat stands out as his biggest honor after his playing days.

After he hung up his cleats, Allen jumped into business. He spent about a dozen years in the sporting goods world, then switched things up and sold industrial ceramics for 17 years.

Later on, Allen picked up part-time work at a golf course. He also traveled around the country for various golf outings. Oddly enough, even after everything he did for baseball, he mentioned he never got an invite to Minnesota Twins events like FanFest.