Meaning: The quote "If a horse won't eat it, I don't want to play on it" by Richie Allen, a former professional baseball player, reflects a sentiment about the importance of quality and reliability in the equipment and playing surfaces used in sports. This quote has been attributed to Allen, who was known for his exceptional skills as an athlete and his straightforward, no-nonsense attitude towards the game of baseball.

In the context of the quote, the term "it" refers to the playing surface or the equipment used in the game. Allen's statement suggests that he had high standards for the conditions in which he played, and he was not willing to compromise on the quality of the playing field or the equipment he used. This sentiment aligns with the idea that professional athletes should have access to top-notch facilities and gear in order to perform at their best.

Richie Allen's career spanned from the 1960s to the 1970s, during which time he played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago White Sox, and the Oakland Athletics. Known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills, Allen was a seven-time All-Star and the recipient of numerous accolades throughout his career. His impact on the game and his enduring legacy as a player have made his words and opinions influential within the realm of baseball and sports in general.

The quote can be interpreted as a reflection of Allen's commitment to excellence and his unwillingness to settle for anything less than the best when it came to the conditions in which he competed. It speaks to the idea that athletes should have access to the highest quality resources in order to perform at their peak, and that subpar conditions could potentially hinder their performance.

Furthermore, the quote also underscores the importance of safety in sports. A playing surface or equipment that is not up to standard could pose a risk to the athletes using them. By expressing his reluctance to play on anything that a horse wouldn't eat, Allen might have been emphasizing the need for playing surfaces and equipment to be safe and conducive to optimal performance.

In a broader sense, Allen's quote can be seen as a call for quality and integrity in sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in all aspects of the game. It serves as a reminder that athletes, regardless of their level of play, deserve to have access to the best possible resources to support their performance and well-being.

Overall, Richie Allen's quote "If a horse won't eat it, I don't want to play on it" encapsulates his commitment to excellence and underscores the significance of quality, reliability, and safety in sports. It reflects his uncompromising attitude towards the conditions in which he played and serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his legacy as a professional athlete.