Born September 24, 1956) is an American former professional baseball right fielder, third baseman, and shortstop.
He played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1980 to 1994 for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals.
Brooks was selected third overall in the 1978 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Mets and went on to play for five different teams over a 15-year career, and was twice named an All-Star. MLB pitcher Donnie Moore was Brooks’ cousin.
Early years
Brooks was drafted by the Montreal Expos as a senior at Manuel Dominguez High School, Compton CA, in the 1974.
Major League Baseball Draft but chose instead to attend Whittier College and stayed for 1975 through 1976 before transferring to Arizona State University. With the Arizona State Sun Devils, Brooks appeared in two NCAA College World Series, winning in 1977.
The ASU shortstop was drafted fifth overall in the January 1976 secondary draft by the Kansas City Royals, fourteenth overall in the June 1976 secondary draft by the Chicago White Sox, second overall in the January 1977 secondary draft by the Oakland Athletics, and again by the White Sox third overall in the June 1977 secondary draft; however, he did not sign with any team. After he played out his college career, he was drafted by the Mets third overall in the 1978 amateur draft, two selections behind ASU teammate Bob Horner.
Unlike Horner, who was assigned to the Atlanta Braves’ major league roster upon signing, Brooks was assigned to the double A Jackson Mets, where he batted .216 with 3 home runs and 16 RBIs in 45 games. The following season, with fellow Mets prospect Wally Backman playing short for Jackson, Brooks was converted to a third baseman. He also played some outfield with the triple A Tidewater Tides in 1980.