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My Father, Dick Allen

Seen through the eyes of his son, Richard Jr., and a chorus of family, friends, and former teammates, the film provides an intimate look at the man behind the legend. The narrative traces Richard Jr.’s emotional pilgrimage in the spring of 2025 as he prepares for his father’s induction. The journey includes a poignant visit to Little Rock, Arkansas, where in 1963, a young Allen faced down relentless racial harassment to dominate the minor leagues. It continues to Chicago, where he became a beloved icon for the White Sox, earning the 1972 American League MVP award and leaving an indelible mark on the city. In May 2025, the city of Chicago honors him in a pre-game ceremony, a testament to his enduring impact. It also includes a visit to Allen’s hometown, Wampum, Pa.

The documentary unflinchingly explores the repeated heartbreaks of Allen’s Hall of Fame candidacy, including falling a single vote short in both 2014 and 2021. This painful history makes the triumphant announcement of his election in December 2024, a moment captured with raw emotion, all the more powerful. Featuring insightful interviews with baseball luminaries such as Fergie Jenkins, Dusty Baker, and Goose Gossage, along with his widow Willa and legendary White Sox organist Nancy Faust, the film builds a comprehensive portrait of a complex and brilliant athlete.

Finally, the film culminates in the summer of 2025, going behind the scenes as Allen’s family and friends gather in Cooperstown to witness his long-awaited induction. It is a celebration of a remarkable career and a complex legacy, as the charismatic, iconoclastic slugger from Wampum, Pennsylvania, at long last takes his rightful place among baseball’s immortals.

“My Father, Dick Allen” is not just about baseball; it’s a story of resilience, rebellion, and, ultimately, redemption.

  • Andy Billman
    Director/Writer
  • David J. Fletcher
    Executive Producer/Producer
  • Sharon Pannozzo
    Executive Producer/Producer
  • John Owens
    Producer
  • Richard Allen Jr.
    Producer
  • Willa Allen
    Producer
  • Andrew Woolley
    Co-Producer
  • Taylor Hurley
    Director of Photography
  • Carter Inman
    Editor
  • Ray Yslas
    Music
  • Richard Allen Jr.
    Key Cast
  • Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins
    Key Cast
  • Richard "Goose" Gossage
    Key Cast
  • Jocko Sims
    Narrator
  • F. Fergeson Productions
    Production Company
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Sports, Biography, History
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes 23 seconds
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • SeriesFest
    Denver, Colorado
    United States
    May 9, 2026
    Festival Premiere
Director Biography

Andy Billman is an award-winning (two-time Emmy winner, Peabody Award, and NAACP winner) producer with a passion for storytelling. Billman started at ESPN back in July of 2002 where he has worked on SportsCenter, The ESPYs, Playmakers, Tilt, and Dream Job. Since 30 for 30’s inception in 2009, he has been with the group working as a producer and director of documentaries for ESPN Films. He has worked on The Two Escobars (considered by many to be one of the best sports documentaries of all time), Winning Time, Youngstown Boys, Playing for the Mob, and Bad Boys. Additionally, he has produced other ESPN Films projects such as The Announcement, Unguarded, and The Book of Manning.

Finally, Billman has directed two documentaries under the ESPN Films flagship including the 30 for 30 film Believeland. His most recent film, War on The Diamond is now in release on all major streaming platforms.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Dick Allen was a simple man from the coal town of Wampum, Pennsylvania, but his story is anything but simple. He came of age during one of the most turbulent periods in American history, facing relentless adversity in the heart of the Civil Rights era, all while becoming one of the most dominant and misunderstood players in baseball.

This film is deeply personal. Told through the lens of his son, it is not just about correcting the record, but about understanding the man behind the headlines, a father, a leader, and a figure who carried far more than the game ever asked of him. Through this journey, we aim to show why Dick Allen is not only deserving of a place in the Hall of Fame, but why his legacy matters now more than ever.

At its core, this is a story about truth, resilience, and recognition, and about a son determined to ensure his father is remembered not just as a player, but as a hero.