Glenn Hubbard – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

When Glenn Hubbard walked away from Major League Baseball in 1989, he wrapped up a 12-season run that really showcased his defensive skills and low-key leadership. As the Atlanta Braves’ second baseman from 1978 to 1989, he turned into one of the era’s most dependable defensive players, even holding the MLB record for highest range factor per nine innings at his position.

He was born on a U.S. Air Force base in West Germany. Hubbard’s journey from a military family to the big leagues says a lot about the determination that shaped his style.

His .244 career batting average doesn’t exactly jump off the page, but that wasn’t really the point with Hubbard. People valued his glove and his baseball smarts. He spent his first ten seasons holding down the Braves’ infield before wrapping up with two years in the Oakland Athletics’ green and gold.

Hubbard’s defense got him an All-Star nod in 1983, and that year he put up career-highs with 14 home runs and 70 RBIs.

You might remember his 1984 Fleer trading card with a boa constrictor slung around his neck. That’s just one part of his baseball story, which kept going long after his playing days ended.

His path through amateur baseball, his rise in the Braves system, and his later move to Oakland all show how he squeezed every bit out of his talent and left a mark on the game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Glenn Dee Hubbard was born on September 25, 1957, at a US Air Force Base in Hahn, Germany. His parents were in the military, so the family moved a lot while he was growing up.

He started showing real athletic ability in high school in Utah. He stood out in several sports, but baseball is where he really caught the eye of Major League scouts.

Family Background and Childhood

Glenn Dee Hubbard came into the world on September 25, 1957, at the US Air Force Base in Hahn, Germany. His dad, Harry Hubbard, served in the Air Force, and his mom, Nancy, kept things running at home with their big family.

The Hubbard house was always busy. Glenn had four brothers—Steven, Bart, Keven, and Brad—and a sister named Cathy.

Military life meant the family bounced around a lot. They ended up living in a dozen different cities before finally settling in Ogden, Utah, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.

Glenn got his first taste of organized baseball while his dad was stationed in Taiwan. He didn’t play in the famous Taiwan Little League, but he did play against some of their teams and saw how seriously they took the game.

Harry Hubbard taught his son to work hard. Glenn once said, “My dad always taught me to give it all I’ve got and I’ve always kept that in mind.”

High School Baseball at Wheatland and Ben Lomond

At Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, Utah, Hubbard showed off his athletic versatility. He played football, basketball, baseball, and even wrestled.

He was especially competitive in baseball and wrestling. Hubbard picked up Most Valuable Player honors twice for the baseball team and did well at the Utah State Wrestling Tournament in the 145-pound weight class.

As a senior in 1975, he really started to turn heads with his bat. He finished the season hitting .461, which definitely got the attention of pro scouts.

He mostly played shortstop in high school. Still, he realized early on that scouts weren’t sure he’d stick at that position in the majors because of his size.

“When I signed, I was moved to second base because of my size,” Hubbard said later. “I really don’t think size has too much to do with becoming a major leaguer.”

1975 MLB Draft Selection

The Atlanta Braves picked Hubbard in the 20th round of the June 1975 amateur draft. He was the 473rd overall pick, just 11 spots ahead of future big league pitcher John Tudor.

That draft actually turned out to be a big one for Atlanta’s organization. Out of all their picks in 1975, only Hubbard and second-round outfielder Larry Whisenton played more than 100 games with the team.

The Braves also grabbed pitcher Nate Snell in the 22nd round. Snell went on to pitch in 104 games for Baltimore and Detroit between 1984 and 1987.

Atlanta’s scouts took a bit of a gamble with Hubbard. His high school stats and competitive streak impressed them, even if he wasn’t the biggest guy out there.

That draft selection kicked off Hubbard’s pro baseball journey. He soon reported to the Braves’ rookie league affiliate and started working his way up the minor league ladder.

MLB Debut and Rise with the Atlanta Braves

Glenn Hubbard made his big league debut with the Atlanta Braves on July 14, 1978, after they drafted him in the 20th round back in 1975. He quickly settled in as a reliable second baseman and became a regular fixture in the Braves’ infield for almost a decade.

Promotion to the Majors in 1978

The Atlanta Braves called up Glenn Hubbard to the majors in 1978 after he climbed through their minor league system. They’d picked him as the 473rd overall selection straight out of high school.

Hubbard went to Wheatland High School near Beale Air Force Base in California, finishing up at Ben Lomond High School in Utah. His dad’s Air Force career meant the family moved between bases throughout his childhood.

He debuted in MLB on July 14, 1978, facing a National League opponent. At just 20, Hubbard stepped into the Braves’ infield and started what would turn into a long and steady career in the majors.

The Braves were trying to build a competitive roster at the time. They saw something in the right-handed hitting infielder they’d developed in their farm system.

First Major League Home Run

Glenn Hubbard hit his first major league home run on September 23, 1978, during his rookie year with the Braves. That milestone came just a little over two months after his MLB debut.

That homer meant a lot for Hubbard’s early development. Second basemen aren’t usually known for their power, but showing he could chip in offensively helped cement his spot in the lineup.

His first season showed flashes of promise as he adjusted to the major league level. The National League brought new challenges, but Hubbard’s defensive skills started to stand out right away.

By the end of his rookie year, the Braves knew they had someone they could lean on. His defense and occasional offense made him a valuable piece for the team’s plans.

Key Role on the Braves Roster

Glenn Hubbard quickly became a key part of the Braves’ infield after arriving in 1978. His defensive skills at second base made him a steady everyday player in the NL.

The Braves appreciated Hubbard’s steady glove and his baseball IQ. He turned into one of the league’s most dependable fielders, always ranking high in defensive stats among second basemen.

He didn’t just play defense, though. Hubbard got known for turning double plays and not backing down from runners sliding hard into second.

The team built their infield around his defensive ability. With Hubbard at second, the Braves felt good about their defensive setup, letting other guys focus on their own roles.

By the time the ’70s ended, he’d already proven he was a big part of Atlanta’s future. His work ethic and glove made him a fan favorite and a respected guy in the clubhouse.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Glenn Hubbard’s 12 years in the majors brought some cool moments, like his 1983 All-Star selection and some impressive defensive numbers. Offensively, his best year was 1983, with 12 home runs and 70 RBIs, and in 1981 he set a Braves record with a .991 fielding percentage.

1983 All-Star Season

Hubbard made his only MLB All-Star appearance in 1983, repping the Braves at Comiskey Park. In the first half of that season, he hit .300 with 5 homers and 37 RBIs, which earned him a spot as a reserve.

In the All-Star Game, he got a single in his one plate appearance after subbing in for Steve Sax. That game was probably the high point of his offensive recognition in the majors.

That year, Hubbard put up career highs with 12 home runs and 70 RBIs, all while keeping up his defensive play at second.

Defensive Accomplishments and Fielding Records

Hubbard’s defense really defined his career. In 1981, he set a new Braves record for second basemen with a .991 fielding percentage, breaking Frank Bolling’s old mark from 1962.

He made just 5 errors in 537 chances during that strike-shortened season. His steady fielding helped keep the Braves’ infield solid through the early ’80s.

Minor league coaches always noticed his glove. Former Yankees third baseman Clete Boyer, who worked as a Braves fielding instructor, even compared Hubbard to Bobby Richardson and praised his desire to learn.

Batting and Hitting Performance

Hubbard finished with a .244 career batting average over 1,354 games, racking up 1,084 hits in 12 seasons. He wasn’t just a glove guy—he showed some pop with 70 career home runs.

His top offensive year, again, was 1983 with 12 home runs and 70 RBIs. In 1982, he scored a career-high 75 runs and chipped in 9 homers and 59 RBIs during the Braves’ division-winning season.

Early in the 1982 season, Hubbard’s average peaked at .297 after a hot 11-for-23 stretch in May. Even though it dipped later, his production helped drive Atlanta’s success.

Double Plays and Sacrifice Hits

Hubbard turned double plays like few others, leading all National League hitters and big league second basemen in double plays in 1982. His quick hands and good positioning made him really effective at the pivot.

He also led the majors in sacrifice hits that year, showing he’d put the team ahead of his own stats. That team-first attitude really summed up his whole approach to the game.

These skills—beyond just the numbers—made Hubbard valuable. He consistently did the little things that helped the Braves improve in the early ’80s.

Years with the Oakland Athletics

Glenn Hubbard signed with the Oakland Athletics in January 1988 as a free agent after ten years with the Braves. The A’s brought him in alongside pitcher Bob Welch and outfielder Dave Parker, hoping to boost their roster for a championship push that would soon take them to the World Series.

Transition from Braves to Athletics

Hubbard was ready for a change after things soured in Atlanta. In his last couple of seasons there, manager Chuck Tanner kept pinch-hitting for him in big spots.

“Although I played a lot, whenever the game was on the line they took me out,” Hubbard said. “They pinch-hit for me 40 times with men either on base or in scoring position.”

That treatment left Hubbard feeling a bit alienated from the team. He admitted he picked up a “bad attitude” about his situation in Atlanta.

Oakland gave him a fresh start in the American League. The A’s were building a powerhouse in the late ’80s, and they wanted veterans like Hubbard to balance out their young stars.

Role and Performance with Oakland

Hubbard played as the A’s primary second baseman in 1988 and 1989. His experience helped steady the infield on a team making deep playoff runs.

The Athletics counted on his defense and leadership. With ten years in the majors, Hubbard became a mentor for younger players in a talented clubhouse.

His offensive numbers stayed about the same as usual—not flashy, but steady. Hubbard contributed from second base without needing to be a big bat in the lineup.

Oakland’s coaches liked his work ethic and professionalism. He kept his reputation as a reliable defender and helped guide up-and-coming teammates.

1988 World Series Appearance

The Athletics made it to the World Series in 1988 and faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic. For Hubbard, it was his second trip to the postseason after the 1982 NLCS with Atlanta.

The Dodgers pulled off an upset and took down the heavily favored Athletics in five games. Kirk Gibson’s famous walk-off home run in Game 1 really set the tone.

Hubbard played his part in Oakland’s strong AL playoff run that year. The Athletics had built one of baseball’s best teams in the late 1980s.

That World Series loss stung for the A’s. They truly expected to win their first title since 1974.

Hubbard called it a career after the 1989 season, wrapping up 12 years in the majors. His last two seasons with Oakland finished off a solid run—he hit 70 home runs and drove in 448 RBIs across 1,354 games.

Retirement and Legacy

Glenn Hubbard’s baseball career ended suddenly in 1989 when the Oakland Athletics released him on July 31st. His defense and quiet leadership stuck with teammates and fans through those 12 seasons.

Final MLB Season in 1989

Hubbard’s last year didn’t go as planned after a strong 1988 with Oakland. He struggled at the plate and lost his starting job as the team chased another playoff berth.

The A’s let him go on July 31, 1989, to make room for their postseason push. That timing hurt, since Oakland went on to win the World Series that fall.

Hubbard never found another shot in the majors. At just 31, his career ended without the championship ring that had seemed so close.

The 1984 Fleer card featuring Hubbard turned into a collector’s item for Braves fans. It caught him during one of his best seasons, when he made the All-Star team.

Notable Moments and Popular Culture

His most memorable moment probably came in 1985, during a game against the Phillies. The Phillie Phanatic mascot mocked his batting stance, and the two shared a funny on-field exchange that fans still talk about.

Hubbard’s defense always defined his game. He turned double plays with sharp precision and showed great range at second base.

He never won a Gold Glove, mostly because Ryne Sandberg dominated that award, but analysts considered Hubbard one of the best defensive second basemen of his era. His fielding percentage regularly ranked among the league’s best.

Reputation Among Fans and Teammates

Teammates respected Hubbard’s work ethic and baseball smarts. He mentored younger guys and rarely complained, even when the Braves platooned him.

Braves fans liked his gritty approach and knack for clutch plays. He became a favorite among those who appreciated fundamentals more than flashy stats.

He made three All-Star teams, though some thought his defense deserved even more recognition. Later on, baseball writers admitted that old-school stats didn’t really capture his all-around value.

Hubbard built a reputation as a “player’s player” that stuck long after he retired. Former teammates still mention his professionalism and dedication as something to look up to.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

When his playing days ended in 1989, Glenn Hubbard jumped into coaching, spending decades helping young players grow in pro baseball. His coaching career took him through several organizations, where he shared his defensive expertise and baseball know-how with the next generation.

Minor and Major League Coaching Roles

Hubbard kicked off his coaching career in 1999 with the Atlanta Braves’ minor league system. He spent a decade working with prospects in the farm system.

As a former big leaguer, he brought real experience to teaching fundamentals. Hubbard focused on defense and game situations.

The Braves leaned on his knowledge of positioning and fielding. He helped develop players who eventually made it to the majors.

He worked at different levels in the minors, always emphasizing hard work and attention to detail.

First Base Coach for Atlanta Braves

In 2010, Hubbard got promoted to first base coach for the Braves under Bobby Cox. That move brought him back to the majors after more than 20 years.

He kept the job when Fredi Gonzalez took over as manager in 2011. Hubbard handled base running instruction and infield positioning.

With his second base background, he communicated well with infielders. He really understood what big leaguers faced day to day.

That promotion was a big deal in his post-playing career. Hubbard had earned his way up through the coaching ranks.

Roles with Kansas City Royals and Lexington Legends

After leaving the Braves, Hubbard joined the Kansas City Royals organization. He coached and instructed in their minor league system.

With the Royals, he worked on developing young infielders. Hubbard taught fundamentals and proper positioning.

He later worked with the Lexington Legends, an independent league team. That job let him keep coaching at the pro level.

The Legends got a boost from his baseball experience. Hubbard helped players sharpen their skills and get a better feel for the game.

Hitting Coach and Influence on Young Players

During his coaching career, Hubbard took on roles as a hitting coach at different levels. Players seemed to trust him more because he actually played in the majors.

He really focused on patience at the plate. He’d talk a lot about situational hitting, too.

Hubbard encouraged players to work the count and hunt for good pitches.

Key coaching principles:

• Defensive fundamentals
• Situational awareness
• Mental toughness
• Professional approach

His impact went way beyond just teaching technical skills. Hubbard liked to talk about preparation and the mental approach to the game, which honestly, not every coach does.

A lot of players say he helped them build confidence. He mixed positive reinforcement with constructive criticism, and that really boosted player development during his time as a coach.