Jerome Walton

Name: Jerome Walton

Nickname: Rome, Wally

Years Played: 1989 - 1998

Teams: Chicago Cubs, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Highlights/Awards: National League Rooke of the Year (1989), 30-game hitting streak (1989).

Career Stats: .269, 423 Hits, 77 2B, 8 3B, 25 HR, 132 RBI, 58 SB

Best Season: 1989; .293 AVG, 139 Hits, 23 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 24 SB

Thoughts: Walton emerged in 1989 and quickly became the talk of the windy city along with fellow rookie, Dwight Smith. Smith had the better mustache, but Walton had the better numbers (at least in 1989). I was a Cubs fan during these years and eagerly asked my father daily if Jerome had continued his hitting streak. As much as I wanted him succeed, I never wanted him to surpass Paul Molitor’s 39-game hitting streak. He didn’t. I do feel that Walton owes me a little bit of money. On three different occassions, I put down more than $10 on his 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card. Walton still remains a fan-favorite in Chicago, but they’re still drinking Old Style, so that isn’t saying much.