Leonard was known for his speed, playing both infield and outfield. He grew up in Arkansas and was on the baseball team at Scipio Jones High School in Little Rock. In 1968 and 1969, Toms played third base for Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma.

The next two years he was a center fielder for Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Toms played baseball in the St. Louis area for 36 years. He played in the Heine Meine League and the Tandy League from 1972 to 2008 with the Texas Lady Braves.

Toms was also an award-winning youth league umpire for many years with multiple assignments at the Little League World Series.