Wade was originally signed as an amateur free agent pitcher by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization.

Wade also played in the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics and Milwaukee Braves' minor league systems in all of part of fifteen seasons spanning 1947–1961.

In addition, Wade played winter baseball with the Leones del Caracas, Navegantes del Magallanes and Indios de Oriente in Venezuela, where he built a fan base around him, earning the nickname Galgo (greyhound) for his flashy speed on the bases.

Wade's major league career with the Chicago Cubs included parts of two seasons (1955, 1956).

Wade's baseball career ended in 1961 when he was hit by a pitch, permanently damaging his eyesight.