After batting .261 with 36 stolen bases for the Wichita Aeros in 1981, Tolleson received a call up to the majors when rosters expanded that September.

He debuted with the Rangers on September 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, pinch hitting in the seventh inning and remaining in the game at shortstop.

He displayed excellent speed and good defense, totaling 55 stolen bases in the two seasons, but he also struggled to maintain an acceptable batting average and he never hit for much power.

Wayne was involved in a memorable 1983 bench clearing brawl at Arlington Stadium with California Angels player Bobby Grich.

On November 25, 1985, the Rangers traded Tolleson and relief pitcher Dave Schmidt to the White Sox in exchange for shortstops Scott Fletcher and José Mota and pitching prospect Ed Correa.