Dick Allen makes it onto Hall of Fame ballot

Dick Allen could finally be headed to Cooperstown.

The BBWAA's Historical Overview Committee selected 10 Golden Era finalists for entry, with "Golden Era" referring to those who made significant impact during their careers in Major League Baseball between 1947 and 1972.

An 11-member team of historians sorts out the ballot, while a 16-member committee (which includes both Pat Gillick and Jim Bunning) reviews it.

Allen's candidacy for the Hall of Fame has long been debated, due in large part to his abbreviated career, but just this past week Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter signed a letter advocating for Allen's acceptance.

The ballot will be reviewed at the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego on December 8.

Allen, 72, played outfield, third base, and first base for the Phillies from 1963-69, and again from 1975-76. Over a 15 year career, he hit .292/.378/.534, with 351 home runs and 1,119 RBI. He was the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year with the Phillies, and the 1972 AL MVP with the Chicago White Sox.

The seven-time All-Star is often said to have had incredible slugging power that has been compared to Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. He reportedly served as a mentor to Mike Schmidt.