Hubert "Hubie" Brooks played right fielder, third base, and shortstop in fifteen MLB seasons 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, and was twice named an All-Star. MLB pitcher Donnie Moore was Brooks' cousin.

Originally, Brooks was drafted by the Montreal Expos as a senior at Manuel Dominguez High School in the 1974 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.