Dick Allen has chance at Hall in 2012

With his the heel of his cleat, Dick Allen wrote messages in the infield dirt at Connie Mack Stadium. Over three decades years after he walked away from the game, the tumultuous slugger has yet to etch his name into the halls of Cooperstown.

In a year remembered for its disappointment, Allen showed his promise by capturing National League Rookie of the Year in 1964. He finished with 29 home runs and 91 rbi. Six seasons later, the brash infielder forced his way out of Philadelphia after becoming a polarizing figure that seemed to be misunderstood. He later returned to the city in 1975 and was part of the Phillies division championship in 1976.

Now, with the Hall of Fame Weekend wrapping up in Cooperstown, our eyes turn to next year. Thanks to a new voting process by the Veterans Committee, there's a chance that Allen could become a part of the Class of 2012.

In December, former Phillies general manager Pat Gillick earned his nod to the Hall after being a part of the Veterans Committee's Expansion Era Ballot. Gillick needed 12 votes from the 16 member commission and managed to get 13.

This December, Allen will find himself in the same position as Gillick, as he should be named to the Golden Era Ballot, which is reserved for players who made their impact between 1947 to 1972.The voting will take place at the winter meetings. Possibly instead of "Boo", "Coke" and "Mom", Allen will be scribbling "HOF" this time around.

Allen's resume is as follows: .292 average, 351 home runs, 1119 rbi, seven time All-Star and 1972 American League MVP.  Ten seasons of at least 20 homeruns, including career high 40 in 1966.