Dick Wakefield becomes baseball’s first “bonus baby” when he signs with the Tigers for $52,000 and a new car.

Dick Wakefield becomes baseball’s first “bonus baby” when he signs with the Tigers for $52,000 and a new car.

1941 – Dick Wakefield becomes baseball’s first “bonus baby” when he signs with the Tigers for $52,000 and a new car. The University of Michigan standout will hit .143 in seven at-bat this season but will eventually turn into a solid outfielder.