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.

Given the Mets' longstanding challenges in maintaining a consistent third baseman, Brooks remained popular in New York City despite being a below-average fielder and as power hitter.

He was having his best season statistically—having already set career highs in home runs (13) and RBIs (61)—when the Mets acquired third baseman Ray Knight from the Houston Astros on August 28.

[9] Following an injury to minor league outfield prospect Larry Walker playing winter ball, the Expos shifted Brooks to right field for the 1988 season.

His contract contained a clause that disallowed him to be traded back to the Expos or to any American League team except the California Angels.

[12] Brooks batted .266 with 20 home runs and 91 RBIs in his only season with the Dodgers, after which he was traded back to the New York Mets for pitchers Greg Hansell and Bob Ojeda.

[15] On December 10, 1991, the Mets traded him to the California Angels for outfielder Dave Gallagher,[16] reuniting him with his former Expos manager, Buck Rodgers.

[17] He returned in the beginning of September, with John Wathan replacing Rodgers as manager, but hit just one home run and drove in just six in limited play over the rest of the season.

The Kansas City Royals signed Brooks to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring training for the 1993 season.

He remained in that role through the midpoint of the 1994 season when he was released to make room for a re-activated Wally Joyner, who was returning from the disabled list.