Franklin Stubbs, a left-handed first baseman and outfielder, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on October 21, 1960, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Stubbs attended Virginia Tech, where he honed his skills on the baseball diamond before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 1982 MLB Draft.
Stubbs made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on April 28, 1984. During his time with the Dodgers, he was part of the team that won the World Series in 1988. Although he was not a regular starter, Stubbs contributed to the team's success with his ability to play both first base and the outfield. His versatility allowed the Dodgers to utilize him in various roles, often coming off the bench as a pinch hitter or filling in for injured players.
In 1989, Stubbs was traded to the Houston Astros, where he spent the next two seasons. During his tenure with the Astros, he saw more consistent playing time, which allowed him to showcase his power-hitting capabilities. In 1990, Stubbs hit a career-high 23 home runs, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively when given regular at-bats.
Following his stint with the Astros, Stubbs signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 1991 season. His time with the Brewers was short-lived, as he was released mid-season. He then joined the Montreal Expos, where he finished the 1991 season. Stubbs' role with the Expos was similar to his earlier years, providing depth and experience off the bench.
In 1992, Stubbs signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he played for two seasons. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Tigers, although his on-field contributions were limited. After the 1993 season, Stubbs spent some time in the minor leagues and played in the Mexican League before retiring from professional baseball in 1995.
Throughout his career, Franklin Stubbs was known for his power at the plate and his ability to play multiple positions.
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