The team suffered through it's first losing season since Allen became a major leaguer and finished in seventh place, 21 games behind the pennant winning St. Louis Cardinals.
As has been well documented, the atmosphere for Allen in Philadelphia during this time had become a nightmare for any ballplayer. Allen had been asking the team to trade him for over a year, with no relief. He was getting booed every at bat, he was receiving threatening hate mail, and those closest to him were concerned for his safety. Most everyone, including DA thought the game on September 29th, 1968 against the Mets at Shea would be his last in a Phillies uniform.
The Mets took a 2 run lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. In the top of the sixth, Allen hit a 2 run home run to tie the game. Dalrymple put the team ahead in the seventh with another 2 run shot. DA came up again the the eighth and blasted a solo shot to extend the Phils lead to 5-2. He got one more at bat in the ninth and cracked a grand slam.
Last three at bats of the season, three home runs, seven RBIs. This would be the only thee home run game of his career.
Every news report I could find of the game makes mention of his expected trade during the offseason. Unfortunately for DA, a trade never materializes. His wish to be dealt is not granted until after the 1969 season.
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