What Happened To Jerome Walton, Jerome Walton was a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Chicago Cubs,, General, what-happened-to-jerome-walton, JPOSE
Jerome Walton was a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Chicago Cubs, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays during his career. He was once a promising young talent who won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1989, but unfortunately, his career did not turn out as successful as many had hoped.
After a stellar rookie season, where he hit .293 with 24 stolen bases and a .750 OPS, Walton struggled to live up to expectations. Injuries and inconsistent play plagued him throughout his career, and he was never able to replicate the success he had in his rookie year. He spent most of his career as a backup outfielder and pinch-hitter, and his career numbers reflect that. He hit just .269 with a .662 OPS and only stole 31 bases in 11 seasons.
Walton's struggles on the field were not the only challenges he faced in his career. He also battled personal demons, including drug addiction and legal troubles. In 1995, he was arrested for cocaine possession, which led to a suspension from Major League Baseball. He returned to the field in 1996 with the Baltimore Orioles but struggled to find success and was released midway through the season.
After his release from the Orioles, Walton bounced around the minor leagues and independent leagues for a few years before retiring from baseball in 2002. Despite his struggles, Walton remains a beloved figure in Chicago Cubs history, and he still holds the team record for most consecutive games with a hit to start a career (30).
Today, Walton is working as a high school baseball coach in his hometown of Newnan, Georgia. He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and has used his experiences to help others who are facing similar challenges. Walton's story is a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face challenges and that success on the field does not always translate to success off the field.