Jim Walewander

Wales played one more year with the Tigers before his release. He played with the New York Yankees and then in Italy before his last game, in a California Angels uniform in 1993.

As an infielder, Walewander's advancement to the majors was delayed by shortstop Alan Trammell and second baseman Lou Whitaker. "Wales" was finally summoned to Detroit on May 31, 1987, going 1 for 2 against the Minnesota Twins. Walewander primarily appeared as a defensive substitute or pinch-runner in the late innings. He was a key figure as the Tigers battled the Toronto Blue Jays for the division crown. In the 12th inning of the season's penultimate game against Toronto, pinch-hitter Walewander scooted home with the game-winning run after Trammell drilled a game-winning single through Toronto shortstop Manuel Lee's legs. Detroit won the division title the next day via a Frank Tanana 1–0 shutout. Walewander was not on the playoff roster, and Minnesota defeated Tigers in the ALCS.

For his Major League career, Walewander batted .215 with a home run and 14 RBI in 242 at-bats. Walewander's 24 runs scored on only 13 hits during the 1987 season represents the all-time record for the highest 'runs to hits' ratio (1.846) for a major league season for players with 10 or more hits.

The Detroit Tigers signed Walewander in the 9th round of the 1983 MLB amateur draft.

Jim "Wales" Walewander (born May 2, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American former professional baseball infielder. Walewander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 9th round of the 1983 Major League Baseball draft. During his professional career, he played for the Tigers, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, California Angels and Florida Marlins of the Major League Baseball (MLB). He attended Iowa State University and is an alumnus of Arizona State University and UCLA.