For more than twenty seasons wherever the Kansas City Monarchs played second base was the property of the diminutive, 5' 7" New Allen. Joining the Monarchs in late 1922 (after a brief stint with J. L. Wilkinson's All Nations Squad), Allen commenced his reign as the Negro Nation League's premier second baseman.
Although Allen was principally acclaimed for his strong defensive play, he consistently hit in the .270-.320 range, compiling a lifetime average of .294. "Allen played that scrappy kind of baseball, recalled teammate George Giles (one of black baseball's finest first basemen). "He would slap the ball between the infielders or just over their heads -- what people now call a Texas Leaguer. He would bunt and run, hit and run, steal bases and do whatever else it took to win. And, at second base he was really something to watch."
Allen was also a team leader, repeatedly elected team captain by his Monarchs teammates. Allen was appointed to the post of manager in 1937, and his leadership guided the Monarchs through a six-year domination of the Negro American League. During this span the Monarchs won 5 league titles.
Newt Allen played against some of the all-time greats, people like Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson. But by the time the major leagues were integrated, Newt Allen was too old to play.
Newton Allen died in 1988. He is buried next to his mother, Rosa Lee Baker Allen (1875-1957). For many years, "Newt" Allen did not have a tombstone, but in 2022, a tombstone was installed for him, primarily through the efforts of Negro Leagues historian Paul Debono.
For more than twenty seasons wherever the Kansas City Monarchs played second base was the property of the diminutive, 5' 7" New Allen. Joining the Monarchs in late 1922 (after a brief stint with J. L. Wilkinson's All Nations Squad), Allen commenced his reign as the Negro Nation League's premier second baseman.
Although Allen was principally acclaimed for his strong defensive play, he consistently hit in the .270-.320 range, compiling a lifetime average of .294. "Allen played that scrappy kind of baseball, recalled teammate George Giles (one of black baseball's finest first basemen). "He would slap the ball between the infielders or just over their heads -- what people now call a Texas Leaguer. He would bunt and run, hit and run, steal bases and do whatever else it took to win. And, at second base he was really something to watch."
Allen was also a team leader, repeatedly elected team captain by his Monarchs teammates. Allen was appointed to the post of manager in 1937, and his leadership guided the Monarchs through a six-year domination of the Negro American League. During this span the Monarchs won 5 league titles.
Newt Allen played against some of the all-time greats, people like Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson. But by the time the major leagues were integrated, Newt Allen was too old to play.
Newton Allen died in 1988. He is buried next to his mother, Rosa Lee Baker Allen (1875-1957). For many years, "Newt" Allen did not have a tombstone, but in 2022, a tombstone was installed for him, primarily through the efforts of Negro Leagues historian Paul Debono.
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Legendary Negro Leagues baseball player and manager for the Kansas City Monarchs
Rest safe at home in the Kingdom of God.