Allen was born in Norton, Kansas. He started his professional baseball career in 1910 in the Kansas State League. He batted .188 in 105 games that year and then moved on to the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, American Association, and Northern League, each for just one season.\n', '

In February 1914, Allen signed with the Federal League\'s Buffalo Buffeds. He made his major league debut on May 1, 1914 but various injuries shortened his rookie season. In 1915, he returned and played in an MLB career-high 84 games. He committed 21 errors and batted .205.\n', '

The Federal League folded after 1915, and Allen was sold to the Chicago Cubs. He played 5 games for Chicago, going 1 for 16 at the plate. He then returned to the minors for 1916 and 1917. The Cincinnati Reds bought his contract in 1917, and he was a backup catcher on the major league squad from 1918 to 1920. In 1919, he batted .320 (in 15 games), and the Reds won the National League pennant and World Series.\n', '

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