Ethan Allen

Ethan Nathan Allen (January 1, 1904 – September 15, 1993) was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball from 1926 to 1938. He played for the Cincinnati Reds (1926–30), New York Giants (1930–32), St. Louis Cardinals (1932–33), Philadelphia Phillies (1934–36), Chicago Cubs (1936), and St. Louis Browns (1936–38).

Early life

Born in Cincinnati Allen went to Withrow High School and is an alumnus of the University of Cincinnati. During his time at UC, Allen was a star athlete in track and field, basketball, and baseball. He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi.

Playing career

In 1,123 games he compiled 1,325 hits and 47 home runs, with a batting average of .300, on-base percentage of .336 and slugging average of .410. In 1935, he finished 17th in MVP voting with a batting average of .307 and a league-leading 156 games played. He hit .300 or better 6 times in his career. Defensively, Allen posted a .981 fielding percentage at all 3 outfield positions in his career.

Coaching career

Allen later became the baseball coach at Yale University, serving from 1946 to 1968. Allen reached the College World Series finals in 1947 and 1948. His players included future President George H. W. Bush.

Legacy

Allen remained well-known long after his retirement as a player as the inventor of the Cadaco-Ellis board game All Star Baseball, which entered production in the early 1940s and remains available into the 21st century, with few changes having been made.

Allen died at age 89 in Brookings, Oregon.