 Wakefield returned to the Tigers in 1946 but never regained the batting stroke of earlier years.From 1946 to 1948, Wakefield consistently batted between .268 and .283 and never again managed more than 106 hits or played in more than 112 games.Even as his batting average declined, Wakefield remained a favorite of the owner's wife, Mrs. Briggs, whom Wakefield called "Ma".