Franklin Stubbs – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Franklin Stubbs wrapped up his decade-long Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers in 1995, closing out a journey that saw him leave his mark on several teams in both leagues. He hit a solid .250 in his final season under the legendary Sparky Anderson, stepping away after 10 years in the majors.

Hailing from Laurinburg, North Carolina, Stubbs earned a reputation as a power hitter with 104 career home runs for a handful of organizations. Probably his most memorable moment? Playing first base for the 1988 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, helping the team during their title run.

Stubbs bounced from the Dodgers to the Astros, Brewers, and finally the Tigers before calling it a career in 1995. Standing 6’2″ and weighing 215 pounds, he swung and threw left-handed, bringing a bit of everything to each club—he handled both first base and left field, always ready to fill a gap.

Overview of Franklin Stubbs’ Baseball Career

Franklin Stubbs put together an 11-year Major League Baseball career, from 1984 to 1995, making his name as a power-hitting first baseman and outfielder. He wore the uniforms of five MLB teams and brought left-handed power and flexibility to every lineup.

Early MLB Debut and Rookie Year

Franklin Lee Stubbs broke into the big leagues on April 28, 1984, with the Los Angeles Dodgers at age 23. The Laurinburg native had been a first-round pick (19th overall) in the 1982 MLB draft out of Virginia Tech.

During his rookie season, he showed flashes of potential as he learned to handle major league pitching. At 6’2″, 215 pounds, Stubbs cut a pretty imposing figure at the plate from the left side.

He didn’t play much that first year, but the Dodgers gave him more chances in the seasons that followed. Stubbs split his time between first base and the outfield, showing off the defensive flexibility that would stick with him throughout his career.

Top Career Highlights and Awards

Stubbs hit his stride in 1986 by smashing 23 home runs and knocking in 58 RBIs for the Dodgers. That power surge helped keep Los Angeles in the hunt in a tough National League West.

But the real highlight? The 1988 World Series. Stubbs played his part on the championship Dodgers squad, contributing during their run to the title. He didn’t see a ton of postseason action, but he stayed ready and gave the roster some needed depth.

After he joined the Houston Astros, Stubbs had his best season in 1990, batting .261 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs. That year, he really cemented his status as a lefty power threat.

His career numbers:

• 104 home runs
• 348 RBIs
• .242 batting average
• .310 on-base percentage

Final Season and Retirement in 1995

By the mid-’90s, Stubbs saw his playing time dwindle. He spent short stretches with the Brewers and Tigers and eventually landed with the Boston Red Sox, his fifth and last MLB team.

Stubbs played his final big league season in 1995 at age 34. He’d become known as a reliable journeyman with pop in his bat and the ability to help teams at more than one position.

After retiring, Stubbs moved into coaching. He passed on his baseball smarts and experience in player development roles. His career spanned nearly two decades if you count his minor league start in 1980, showing some real staying power in pro baseball.

Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Stubbs kicked off his MLB career with the Dodgers, who picked him in the 1982 first round (19th overall). From 1984 to 1989, he developed as a power-hitting first baseman and helped the club win a World Series.

Breakout Years with the Team

He debuted for the Dodgers on April 1, 1984, and spent his early seasons working on his swing and getting used to big league pitching. By 1986, he started connecting for power, launching 20 homers and driving in 58 RBIs while bouncing between first and the outfield.

In 1987, Stubbs kept growing, hitting .223 with 16 home runs. The average wasn’t eye-popping, but his left-handed power still gave the Dodgers lineup a boost.

The 1988 season was probably his most well-rounded with the Dodgers. He played 132 games, hit .223 with 8 home runs and 40 RBIs, and showed off his defensive versatility—manager Tommy Lasorda moved him between first and the outfield as needed.

World Series Contributions

Stubbs played a key supporting role during the 1988 World Series run. While guys like Kirk Gibson got most of the headlines, Stubbs chipped in with timely hits and steady defense.

He came through in the National League Championship Series against the Mets, delivering some important at-bats and helping out in the field. His ability to play several spots gave the Dodgers some much-needed flexibility.

In the World Series against the heavily favored A’s, Stubbs appeared in all five games. His stats weren’t flashy, but he did his job at first base and helped the Dodgers pull off an upset for their sixth championship.

Influential Dodgers Teammates and Managers

Stubbs learned a lot from Dodgers veterans during his early years. Steve Garvey, who left right before Stubbs arrived, set the standard at first base, and Stubbs tried to live up to it.

Manager Tommy Lasorda left a big impression too. Lasorda’s energy and focus on team chemistry helped Stubbs build confidence, even when he struggled at the plate.

Guys like Orel Hershiser, Kirk Gibson, and Mike Scioscia all influenced how Stubbs approached the game. The Dodgers really stressed fundamentals and teamwork, and that stuck with him.

Pedro Guerrero, another power hitter on those Dodgers teams, gave Stubbs tips on hitting. That advice paid off when Stubbs started to hit for more power later in his career.

Batting Prowess and On-Field Performance

Stubbs made his name as a power hitter over his 12-year MLB career. He had plenty of moments where he showed off his slugging ability, especially with the Dodgers and Brewers.

Home Runs and Power Hitting

Throughout his career, Stubbs flashed real power at the plate. His best long-ball season came in 1990 with the Milwaukee Brewers—he clubbed 23 home runs. His left-handed swing was quick and compact, letting him turn on fastballs with authority.

Even as a rookie with the Dodgers in 1984, Stubbs showed he could drive the ball. Opposing pitchers quickly learned he was a dangerous hitter.

Stubbs finished with 104 career home runs, most of them coming during his prime years. In his last season with the Tigers in 1995, he managed just one homer, but still, not a bad run.

Batting Average Achievements

Stubbs posted a career batting average of .232 over his 12 seasons. He wasn’t really known for hitting for average, but he did have some decent stretches.

His best year for average came in 1986 with the Dodgers—he hit .264 in 151 games. That season, he put together a nice blend of average and power.

In 1990 with Milwaukee, he paired his career-high home runs with a solid .261 average. When his swing was right, he could be a tough out.

His last year in 1995 was rough at the plate—he managed just 9 hits in 50 at-bats for a .180 average.

Runs Batted In and Offensive Value

Stubbs had a knack for driving in runs, especially during his peak seasons. In 1990 with Milwaukee, he notched a career-best 83 RBIs while playing first base, making himself a real asset in the middle of the lineup.

Over his career, he racked up 361 RBIs, showing he could deliver in big moments. Stubbs usually stepped up with runners in scoring position.

In his final season with Detroit in 1995, his production dipped—just 7 RBIs in 28 home games. Even as his numbers faded, Stubbs stuck to his approach as a power bat trying to drive in runs.

He also finished with a .724 career OPS, so he contributed by getting on base and hitting for power—maybe not a superstar, but definitely valuable.

Tenure with the Detroit Tigers

Franklin Stubbs closed out his big league career with the Detroit Tigers in 1995. He brought some veteran presence and left-handed pop to the team during his last season in the majors.

Key Moments and Impact

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Season with the Houston Astros and Notable Opponents

Franklin Stubbs had his best MLB season in 1990 with the Houston Astros, hitting .245 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs. That year, he became a key power threat in the Astros lineup—short but impactful.

Matchups Against Noteworthy Pitchers

Stubbs went up against some tough pitching during his Houston days. Dwight Gooden of the Mets and Bob Tewksbury of the Cardinals gave him fits, both known for their nasty stuff.

Stubbs struggled at times against left-handed specialists, thanks to his lefty swing. But he found ways to get to right-handed power arms, often turning on fastballs with that quick bat.

When interleague play rolled around, Stubbs adjusted his approach depending on who was on the mound. He worked counts and waited for his pitch, which helped him even against top guys.

He really took advantage of the Astrodome’s short right field, especially in divisional games—his power numbers seemed to climb in those matchups.

Interactions with Astros’ Bullpen and Teammates

Inside the clubhouse, Stubbs built a reputation for his professional approach and willingness to help out younger players. He and Mike Scott, the Astros ace, often talked shop about how to attack opposing hitters.

The Astros’ bullpen, with veterans like Jim Deshaies, appreciated how Stubbs could provide early runs. During team meetings, he spoke up about batting strategies and how to handle certain pitchers.

He worked well with Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, forming a solid heart of the order. The three of them would talk approach during BP, trying to figure out how to break through against tough arms.

Stubbs and manager Art Howe got along well—Howe leaned on Stubbs’ experience in tight spots. Stubbs’ steady presence helped keep the clubhouse on track, even when things got rocky.

Later Career: San Diego Padres and Other Teams

After his productive run with the Brewers, Franklin Stubbs kept going, joining several more teams, including the San Diego Padres. His ability to play both first base and the outfield let him extend his career with a few different organizations.

Transition to the Padres Organization

Stubbs landed with the San Diego Padres in 1993, right near the end of his playing days. That move to San Diego was a big shift for the veteran slugger—he still wanted to show he could help at the major league level. With the Padres, he mostly came off the bench and occasionally started.

He didn’t spend long in San Diego, but those games added another layer to his long MLB story. Stubbs played in 56 games for the Padres, usually pinch-hitting or filling in at first base. Sure, his numbers weren’t what they used to be, but he still brought some left-handed pop off the bench.

The Padres liked having his veteran presence and playoff experience around—after all, he’d been part of the Dodgers’ 1988 World Series run.

Playing Experience with Additional MLB Teams

After his time with the Padres, Stubbs kept his career going with a couple more MLB stops. He signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1994, taking on a utility role as he wrapped things up.

Stubbs played his final MLB game in 1995, closing out a 10-year run across four teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers (1984-1989), Houston Astros (1990), Milwaukee Brewers (1991-1992), and the Padres (1993).

Over his career, Stubbs hit 104 home runs and built a reputation for left-handed power. He could handle first base and left field, which helped him keep playing after his Padres stint.

He moved through different organizations and adapted to new roles, showing a lot of professionalism and flexibility as he got older.

Influence of Coaches, Teammates, and Management

Franklin Stubbs’ baseball journey took shape thanks to some pretty influential coaches and the teammates he connected with along the way. Those relationships really shaped how he approached the game, both as a player and eventually as a coach himself.

Notable Managers and Coaching Staff

Tommy Lasorda, the iconic Dodgers manager, probably had the biggest impact on Stubbs. Lasorda’s fiery, player-first style pushed Stubbs to grow during his early years with the Dodgers. Under Lasorda, Stubbs picked up the mental side of the game—something that stuck with him for years.

When he moved to Houston, new coaches helped him unlock his best season in 1990. The Astros’ staff saw his power potential and tweaked his approach at the plate.

In his last playing season, Stubbs played for another legend, Sparky Anderson with the Detroit Tigers. Anderson’s structured, strategic style gave Stubbs some insights that would later shape his own ideas about coaching.

Relationships with Fellow Players

Stubbs built some strong friendships with teammates throughout his career. In L.A., he played alongside future stars and seasoned vets who helped him find his footing. That Dodgers clubhouse, for all its quirks, really emphasized teamwork.

When he got to Houston, Stubbs connected with players like Jeff Shaw, who’d go on to be an All-Star closer. Those relationships made it easier for Stubbs to settle in after leaving L.A.

First baseman J.T. Snow, just starting out as Stubbs was winding down, apparently saw Stubbs as a mentor during their brief time together. That mentoring role hinted at the coaching path Stubbs would take later.

Stubbs earned respect from teammates across the league, which says a lot about his character and baseball IQ. That network ended up helping him transition into coaching after he retired in 1995.

Development in the Minor Leagues and Farm Systems

Franklin Stubbs worked his way up through the Dodgers’ farm system before making his mark as a big-league power hitter. His time in the minors showed off his growing power, and moving up to the majors wasn’t easy, but he made it work.

Minor League Progression

Stubbs got his start after the Dodgers picked him in the first round (19th overall) of the 1982 draft. Coming out of North Carolina, he quickly stood out as a left-handed power threat in the Dodgers’ system.

At Single-A Vero Beach in 1982, Stubbs flashed that power right away. He moved up to Double-A San Antonio in 1983, where he kept working on his swing against tougher pitching.

The real breakout came in 1984 at Triple-A Albuquerque. Stubbs’ power numbers took off in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, and the Dodgers’ front office couldn’t help but take notice.

Through the minors, Stubbs showed:

• Big-time power potential
• Reliable glove at first base
• Better plate discipline each year
• Ability to hit left-handed pitching

Transition to the Majors

Stubbs stepped onto the major league stage with the Dodgers in 1984. That debut kicked off a 10-year run in the big leagues—a pretty solid stretch by any standard. Like most power hitters making the leap, he had to face down the usual headaches of adjusting to major league pitching. Not exactly a walk in the park.

The Dodgers stuck with Stubbs through those early ups and downs. Sure, he had trouble finding his groove at first, but you could always see the raw power in his swing. By 1986, he started to carve out a spot as a legitimate power threat in the Dodgers lineup.

Stubbs really came into his own during the 1988 World Series championship season. He played a real part in that title run, and honestly, his growth justified all the time and energy the Dodgers poured into him in the minors.

After his time in Los Angeles, Stubbs leaned on that strong foundation he built in the minors. He bounced around a few teams and eventually wrapped up his career with the Detroit Tigers in 1995. Looking back, he took that early promise and turned it into a career any ballplayer could respect.