Dick Wakefield, baseball player, 1941-1952

Dick Wakefield

Born: 5/6/1921 in Chicago, IL, USA

Died: 8/26/1985 in Redford, MI, USA

MLB Debut: 1941-06-26 | Final Game: 1952-05-06

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'4" | Weight: 210 lbs

Full name: Richard Cummings Wakefield

Biography

Dick Wakefield was a talented position player who made a significant impact in Major League Baseball during the early 1940s to the early 1950s. Born in 1921, Wakefield's professional career spanned from 1941 until his retirement in 1952. Known for his powerful hitting and keen batting eye, he played in a total of 638 games, amassing 625 hits, 56 home runs, and 315 RBIs, while achieving a commendable batting average of .293. His offensive capabilities were complemented by his speed on the bases, as he recorded 10 stolen bases throughout his career. Wakefield's prowess on the field earned him an All-Star selection, showcasing his status as one of the noteworthy players of his era. He played during a transformative period in baseball, which was marked by the integration of the sport and the evolution of playing styles. Despite facing stiff competition, he carved out a niche for himself with his consistent performance and charismatic presence on the diamond. Dick Wakefield's contributions to the game continue to be remembered, reflecting the talent and determination that characterized his playing years.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
638 2132 334 625 102 29 56 315 10 360 270 0.293 0.396 0.447 0.843 9520.2

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
OF 557 0 1146 36 50 7

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Left Field 540
Right Field 17

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI 1941

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1944 Most Valuable Player AL 5th 128.0 336 2
1943 Most Valuable Player AL 6th 72.0 336 0