Wayne Tolleson, baseball player, 1981-1990

Wayne Tolleson

Born: 11/22/1955 in Spartanburg, SC, USA

MLB Debut: 1981-09-01 | Final Game: 1990-09-30

Bats: B | Throws: R | Height: 5'9" | Weight: 160 lbs

Full name: Jimmy Wayne Tolleson

Biography

Wayne Tolleson was a professional baseball player who enjoyed a decade-long career in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1990. Born in 1955, Tolleson carved out a niche as a versatile position player, primarily known for his defensive skills and speed on the bases. Over the course of his career, he played in 863 games, accumulating 559 hits and a batting average of .241. Though he hit only 9 home runs, his contributions were often felt in other aspects of the game, as he recorded 133 RBIs and stole 108 bases, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities. Tolleson's career unfolded during a dynamic period in baseball history that saw the rise of both power hitters and increasingly specialized roles within teams. His agility and base-running prowess provided teams with an important strategic asset, particularly in late-game situations. While not a household name, Tolleson's reliability and work ethic earned him respect among teammates and fans alike, and he remains a notable figure for those who appreciate the nuanced contributions of role players in the grand tapestry of baseball history. After retiring on September 30, 1990, Tolleson's legacy continues to resonate among baseball historians and enthusiasts who recognize the value of players who excel in supporting roles.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
863 2322 301 559 60 17 9 133 108 219 384 0.241 0.307 0.293 0.600 -6440.6

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
2B 292 238 524 720 31 158
3B 143 101 80 208 17 20
OF 3 0 2 0 0 0
SS 409 308 497 964 39 204

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Second Base 293
Third Base 141
Shortstop 410
Left Field 1
Center Field 2
Designated Hitter 27

Salary History

Year Team League Salary
1990 NYA AL $425,000
1988 NYA AL $410,000
1987 NYA AL $385,000
1986 DET AL $275,000
1985 TEX AL $135,000
Total Career Earnings $1,630,000

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Western Carolina University Cullowhee NC 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978