Allen, Newton
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2B-SS-OF-MGR Negro Leagues 1920-48 Kansas City Tigers, All-Nations, Kansas City Monarchs, St. Louis Stars, Detroit Stars, Homestead Grays, Cincinnati Clowns A double play specialist, Allen was considered the best second baseman of the '20s and '30s. He enjoyed a 22-year career almost entirely with the Monarchs. He had the honor of playing with a stable of Kansas City Monarch pitchers including the legendary Satchel Paige, Chet Brewer and Bullet Joe Rogan. The switch-hitting Allen was a line-drive hitter and a skilled bunter. Aggressive on the basepaths, he was not afraid to break up a double play. He twice led the Monarchs in hits, doubles, and stolen bases. He paired with shortstops Willie Wells, Jesse Williams, and Dobie Moore to form extraordinary DP combinations. As Monarch captain, he led his club to the Black World Series in 1924, 1925, and 1945. In the first BWS, against Hilldale in '24, he had seven doubles and batted .281. His best year was 1929, when he hit .330 and led the team with 24 doubles and 23 stolen bases. In 1930 he batted .356. Allen spent parts of the 1931 and 1932 seasons with the St. Louis Stars, Detroit Stars, and Homestead Grays, as well as with the Monarchs. In 1937 the Monarchs joined the newly-formed Negro American League; with Allen as their manager, they won five pennants (1937, 1939-42). In 1942, at the age of 41, Allen made his final BWS appearance; he batted .267 in the Monarchs' four-game sweep of the Homestead Grays. Playing in Cuba for two winters, he batted .313 for the Almendares club in 1924-25 and .269 for the Habana team in 1937-38. He toured Japan, the Philippines, and the Hawaiian Islands with other Negro Leaguers. In 24 recorded games against major league competition, he batted .301. |
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