Big money, at least at the time

Dick Allen with the White Sox in 1972

Coming off his MVP season in 1972, the spectacular – and, at times, equally enigmatic – Dick Allen signs a three-year contract extension with the Chicago White Sox 53 years ago today.

The deal calls for the first baseman and future Hall of Famer to be paid a then-record $250,000 per season, which in today's money is equivalent to $1.8 million – or $150,000 less than the $1.95 million the White Sox last season pay journeyman outfielder Michael A. Taylor, a career .232 hitting over his first 12 seasons.

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