Dick Wakefield – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Wakefield doesn’t get mentioned as much as some of his peers, but this Detroit Tigers outfielder made waves as one of baseball’s first “bonus babies” when he signed for a jaw-dropping $52,000 in 1941.

The 6-foot-4 lefty from the University of Michigan exploded onto the scene with a couple of strong early seasons. In 1943, his rookie year, he led the American League in both hits and doubles.

Wakefield’s promising career ended pretty abruptly. He retired from pro baseball in 1952 at just 31, after the New York Giants released him.

He spent nine seasons in the majors, bouncing from Detroit to the New York Yankees and finally to the Giants. Manager Leo Durocher broke the tough news that finished his playing days.

Dick Wakefield’s story gives us a real look at the hurdles early bonus players faced. Military service disrupted his career, and his relationships with teammates and management definitely shaped how people remember him.

From his headline-grabbing contract negotiations to his ongoing struggles with left-handed pitching, Wakefield’s journey shows both the excitement and the tough breaks that came with baseball stardom in the ‘40s and early ‘50s.

Early Life and Background

Richard Cummings Wakefield grew up in a baseball family in Chicago, born May 6, 1921. His father’s own experience in the game and his dedication to baseball had a huge impact on Dick’s early years.

The Wakefields put baseball first. Howard Wakefield, Dick’s dad, turned their property into a practice space for his four sons.

Family and Childhood in Chicago

Richard Cummings Wakefield arrived as the second of four sons to Frances (Cummings) and Howard Wakefield. The family lived in Chicago, and honestly, baseball was at the center of everything.

Howard wanted all his boys to play ball. He made big sacrifices for their training, even tearing down their garage so the boys could hit in the backyard.

That kind of dedication was pretty remarkable. The backyard became the heart of their baseball education.

Only Dick made it all the way to the majors, though. The Wakefield house was all about discipline and practice.

Frances supported Howard’s vision for their sons’ baseball careers, too. Even though they didn’t have much money, they invested what they could in the boys’ potential.

Howard Wakefield’s Influence

Howard Wakefield’s own baseball background shaped how he trained his sons. He’d been a promising catcher in the early 1900s, but a dead arm ended his career at just 23.

That disappointment pushed Howard to help his sons succeed. Dick later said his dad deserved all the credit for his baseball development.

Howard knew the game’s demands and made sure Dick understood them, too. Their relationship was built on baseball instruction and mentorship.

Howard’s time as an American League catcher gave Dick an edge. He knew exactly what it took to reach the pros.

When Howard died suddenly at 57, during Dick’s college years, everything changed. The family lost their main provider and Dick lost his biggest mentor.

That loss played a big part in Dick’s decision to leave college and go pro.

High School Years

Dick Wakefield started out as a catcher, following his dad behind the plate. His size and athleticism made him stand out from his classmates.

During high school, Dick really started to shine. Scouts noticed his left-handed swing and 6-foot-4 frame.

All those backyard practices with Howard started to pay off. Dick’s high school play set him up for college recruitment.

His catching and hitting made him a hot prospect for college teams. Eventually, the University of Michigan gave him a shot to keep playing at the next level.

Amateur Career and University of Michigan

Dick Wakefield became one of college baseball’s top prospects at the University of Michigan. His success with the Wolverines made him a standout and paved the way for his big professional contract.

Michigan Wolverines Baseball Achievements

Wakefield starred on the University of Michigan baseball team before he turned pro. He played for the Wolverines while attending school in Ann Arbor.

As a lefty outfielder, he dominated against Big Ten competition. His size and hitting ability made him a force in college baseball.

Scouts from all over took notice of Wakefield’s college career. He quickly became one of the most sought-after amateur players.

The Detroit Tigers zeroed in on him, especially since he was a Michigan native. His stats and proximity made him a prime target for the team.

College Batting Success

Wakefield’s batting skills at Michigan really stood out. Coaches and scouts liked his swing and plate discipline.

He used his size to his advantage, and he could hit the ball to all fields. That made him a constant threat at the plate.

Wakefield’s batting average and power numbers were well above the college norm. His production suggested he could handle the jump to pro ball.

College pitchers struggled to find any real holes in his approach. His patience and power translated into success against the Big Ten.

Path to Professional Baseball

Wakefield’s college success set him up for a historic contract with Detroit. The Tigers offered him $52,000 plus a car in 1941.

That made him baseball’s first real “bonus baby.” Detroit’s offer showed how much they believed in his college numbers and potential.

His Michigan education gave him a maturity that most prospects didn’t have. That mix of academics and athletics appealed to pro teams.

The Tigers signed Wakefield straight out of Michigan at age 20. He left college behind, took the contract, and joined Detroit’s system.

Signing as a Bonus Baby

Dick Wakefield made history as baseball’s first major bonus baby when he signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1941 for $52,000 and a new car. That deal changed the way teams recruited and signed amateur talent.

Record-Setting Signing Bonus

Wakefield’s signing bonus smashed every previous record for an amateur. The Tigers paid $52,000—some reports say it was a bit more or less—but it was huge for the time.

Most players back then got a few hundred bucks, tops. Wakefield’s deal even rivaled the pay of Detroit’s star Hank Greenberg, who made $55,000 as a two-time MVP.

Detroit owner Walter Briggs sweetened things with a new Packard for Wakefield’s mom. Dick bought himself a Lincoln Zephyr for $1,400, even though he didn’t know how to drive. His mom invested the rest.

That massive contract brought a ton of pressure and sky-high expectations. People compared Wakefield to Ted Williams and Ty Cobb, and those comparisons hung over him for years.

Detroit Tigers Recruitment and Scouting

After his big 1941 season at Michigan—he hit .368 with 9 homers in 26 games—teams lined up to sign him. Scouts from 11 teams watched his every move.

The bidding war got intense fast. The Brooklyn Dodgers offered $35,000, the Washington Senators upped it to $40,000, and the Cleveland Indians (his dad’s old team) bid $50,000.

Tigers owner Walter Briggs promised Wakefield he’d beat any offer. Briggs kept his word and put $52,000 on the table to land him.

The timing was tough for Wakefield’s family. His father, a former major league catcher, had just died at 57. Dick left college to support his mom and three brothers with his baseball talent.

Bonus Baby Era and MLB Policies

Wakefield’s signing kicked off the bonus baby era in baseball. His contract proved teams would shell out big money for top amateur talent.

At first, “bonus baby” just meant any player who got a big signing bonus. Later, it referred to players affected by the 1952 rule that forced teams to keep bonus babies on the major league roster for two years if they signed for over $4,000.

Wakefield’s deal came before that rule. His contract showed younger players they could demand more, and teams started seeing big bonuses as necessary for top prospects.

The bonus baby trend changed the economics of baseball. It gave more power to young players and set up the kind of signing battles we still see in today’s game.

Major League Baseball Career

Dick Wakefield played in the majors for nine seasons, from 1941 to 1952. Most of his career was with the Detroit Tigers, with short stops at the New York Yankees and New York Giants. World War II military service interrupted his best years.

Detroit Tigers Tenure

Wakefield started his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers in 1941 at age 20. He debuted on June 26 against the Philadelphia Athletics.

After only seven games that first season, he went down to the minors for more seasoning.

The left fielder came back to Detroit in 1943 for his first full season. He played 155 games, batted .316, and led the American League with 200 hits and 38 doubles.

That breakout performance put him among the league’s best young players.

His 1944 season got cut short by military service, but he still hit .355 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs in 78 games. The Tigers came within a game of the AL pennant that year, and Wakefield even got some MVP consideration despite missing half the season.

After the war, Wakefield returned to Detroit and played four more seasons from 1946 to 1949. He never quite recaptured his pre-war form, though.

His best post-war year came in 1947, when he hit .283 in 112 games.

All-Star Selection and Best Seasons

Wakefield made the All-Star team in 1943, his big breakout year. He started in left field for the American League and went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

That All-Star nod came during his best season—200 hits, 38 doubles, and a .316 average at age 22.

The 1944 season looked even better, but military service cut it short. Wakefield’s .355 average and 12 home runs showed what he could do.

A lot of baseball folks think that would have been his best season if he’d played the whole year.

Before the war, Wakefield was one of the AL’s rising stars. His size, left-handed bat, and steady hitting made him a valuable outfielder in the early ‘40s.

New York Yankees and New York Giants Years

The Tigers traded Wakefield to the New York Yankees in 1950. Things didn’t go well in New York—he played only three games that season.

The Yankees sent him down to their minor league team, the Oakland Oaks, where he spent most of 1950 and 1951. That was a big drop from being an MLB regular.

In 1952, Wakefield got one last shot with the New York Giants. He played just three games, with his final MLB appearance coming on May 6, 1952, against the St. Louis Cardinals. That was his 31st birthday, actually.

He also played part of 1952 with the Minneapolis Millers in the minors. That season made it clear his big league career was over at 31.

Notable Teammates and Rivals

When Wakefield played for the Detroit Tigers, he shared the field with quite a few notable players. The Tigers’ roster in the 1940s blended seasoned veterans and fresh young talent, and together, they nearly clinched the pennant in 1944.

As a left fielder in the American League, Wakefield faced off against some of the best players of his era. He had to prove himself against established outfielders, and honestly, the league was stacked with hitters during that time.

Late in his career, Wakefield spent a little time with the Yankees and Giants. Those stints gave him a taste of different team cultures and playing styles, especially since the Yankees were dominating the league back then.

Wakefield’s career lined up with baseball’s integration period and the post-war surge in the sport’s popularity. He played during a time when the game was changing and crowds kept getting bigger across the country.

Statistical Highlights and Career Achievements

Dick Wakefield spent nine seasons in the majors, and his offensive numbers really stand out. He hit .293 for his career, and in 1944, his 1.040 OPS put him in the running for MVP consideration and earned him a spot as an All-Star.

Batting Average, Home Runs, Runs and Doubles

Over 2,506 plate appearances, Wakefield maintained a strong .293 batting average. His best year was 1944, when he batted .355 in just 78 games.

He racked up 625 career hits and crossed the plate 334 times in the majors. In 1943, he led the American League with a 200-hit season, showing off his ability to make contact.

Wakefield also hit for power, tallying 56 home runs and 315 RBIs in his career. He managed 12 home runs in both 1944 and 1946, which were his top single-season numbers.

His knack for doubles stood out too, with 102 career doubles. In 1943 alone, he cracked 38 doubles, putting him among the league leaders and highlighting his gap power.

OPS, Slugging and On-Base Statistics

Wakefield’s approach at the plate led to some impressive stats. He posted a career .396 on-base percentage, drawing 360 walks while striking out just 270 times.

His .447 slugging percentage paired with his on-base skills gave him an .843 OPS. That was 31% above league average, with a 131 OPS+.

In 1944, everything seemed to click. Wakefield put up a stellar 1.040 OPS, with a .464 OBP and .576 slugging.

His 190 OPS+ that year showed he was 90% better than the average hitter. Even though he played only 78 games, he still managed 159 total bases, which is pretty wild considering military service cut his season short.

MVP Voting and League Leadership

Wakefield got MVP consideration in both 1943 and 1944. He finished sixth in the voting in 1943 and climbed to fifth in 1944, which were easily his best years.

His 1943 All-Star selection came after he led the league with 200 hits. That year, he played in 155 games, showing his durability and consistency.

Even with a shortened season in 1944, he made a huge impression. His .355 average and 1.040 OPS grabbed the attention of MVP voters.

Leading the league in hits in 1943 really underscored his contact skills. That 200-hit season was one of the few times he topped the league in a major category.

Retrospective Rankings and Projections

Modern analytics give Wakefield credit for 13.0 career WAR. His best single-season WAR came in 1944, with 3.8 WAR in just 78 games.

Baseball Reference’s advanced stats highlight his 1944 season as something special. His 196 OPS+ ranks among the best for players with that kind of career length.

If you project his numbers over a full 162-game season, you get 159 hits, 14 home runs, and 80 RBIs. That shows he could produce when healthy.

Wakefield’s totals—2,506 plate appearances and 638 games—reflect how World War II service really cut into his time on the field.

Military Service and Its Impact on His Career

Dick Wakefield’s baseball journey changed a lot because of his military service during World War II. He lost playing time in two different stretches between 1943 and 1946, and after the war, he never quite reached the same level as before.

World War II Years

After a big 1943 season—leading the league with 200 hits and 38 doubles—Wakefield entered the Navy on October 15, 1943. He went through flight training at the Iowa Pre-Flight School in Iowa City.

Only half his class ended up flying, since the military didn’t need as many pilots. Wakefield got discharged in July 1944, so he went back to the Tigers for the rest of that season.

He made the most of his short return. In just 78 games, he hit .355, belted 12 home runs, and drove in 53 runs, almost pushing the Tigers to the pennant.

Wakefield rejoined the Navy on November 30, 1944. He trained at Great Lakes, then headed to Bainbridge, Maryland, where he played for the Commodores alongside Stan Musial.

A foot injury during the summer messed with his swing. In June 1945, the Navy sent him to Hawaii at Aiea Hospital, and he kept playing baseball there. He also spent time at Shoemaker Field in California before finally getting discharged in January 1946.

Effect on Performance Post-Service

After the war, Wakefield’s numbers with the Tigers from 1946 to 1949 took a hit. In his first season back, his average dropped to .268, way down from the .316 and .355 he posted earlier.

He broke his arm crashing into the Fenway Park grandstand while chasing a foul ball in July 1946. That injury made it even harder for him to get back to his old form.

His best year after the war came in 1947, when he hit .283 over 112 games. Still, it didn’t match his pre-war production.

Career statistics tell the story: Wakefield racked up 7.4 WAR in his short 1943-44 run, but only managed 6.0 WAR for the rest of his career from 1946 to 1952. The Tigers dealt him to the Yankees in 1950, and after just three games there, he landed with Oakland in the Pacific Coast League.

Legacy, Later Life, and Net Worth

After baseball, Dick Wakefield faded into relative obscurity compared to his days as the game’s first “bonus baby.” Even with his unique place in history, Hall of Fame voters haven’t really considered him.

Life After Baseball and Retirement

Wakefield’s career wrapped up after the 1952 season with the New York Giants. He tried one last comeback with Hank Greenberg—his old teammate who was Cleveland’s GM—but left spring training in 1952 without a contract.

When he retired, Wakefield pretty much stepped away from the game altogether. He settled in Michigan, went to the University of Michigan, and earned his degree while he was still playing. Like a lot of guys from that era, the transition out of baseball wasn’t easy.

Unlike some players who stuck around as coaches or broadcasters, Wakefield kept his distance from the sport. He died on August 25, 1985, in Redford, Michigan, at age 64. His final resting place is Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon, Ohio.

Consideration for the Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame never really gave Wakefield a serious look. His career stats just didn’t stack up with the greats, and over nine seasons, his numbers say he was an above-average player—not a legend.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .293 (career)
• Home Runs: 56 (career total)
• RBIs: 315 (career total)
• All-Star Appearances: 1 (1943)

Sites like Baseball Reference and Retrosheet have all his numbers. His 1943 season—200 hits, 38 doubles, batting .316—still stands out as his best.

The Hall of Fame usually wants something exceptional. Wakefield’s legacy is more about being baseball’s first bonus baby than about what he did on the field.

Assessing Net Worth and Cultural Impact

Wakefield really started his financial legacy with that groundbreaking $52,000 signing bonus in 1941. Adjusted for today, that’s about a million bucks, which was pretty wild back then.

His mother took most of that bonus and invested it wisely, so the family stayed financially secure. While he played, Wakefield pulled in some hefty salaries too, like that reported $35,000-$40,000 contract in 1946, though his pay dropped in later years.

Wakefield didn’t just change the numbers—he set the stage for big signing bonuses in pro baseball. His signing basically cracked open the door for all those future “bonus babies,” and it forced teams to rethink how they went after amateur talent.

People started using “bonus baby” to describe players with sky-high expectations and a lot of pressure. Wakefield’s career showed both the excitement and the risks that come with those big investments, shaping how teams approached similar signings down the road.