Greg Brock – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Greg Brock, a dependable first baseman, spent 10 seasons in Major League Baseball and built a career plenty of players would love to have. Born June 14, 1957, in McMinnville, Oregon, he got drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th round back in 1979. His path took him from the Dodgers to the Milwaukee Brewers before he finally decided to call it a career.

After ten years in the majors, Greg Brock retired in 1991, leaving behind a reputation as a reliable left-handed hitter and a steady presence at first base. He showed up every day with consistency and professionalism, even if he didn’t quite hit the superstar heights some expected when he was tearing it up in the minors.

Brock’s baseball story feels more like one about perseverance and steady performance than about headlines or highlight reels. He worked his way up from the University of Wyoming to a regular MLB lineup spot, which says a lot about the value of determination in pro sports. His career numbers won’t get him to Cooperstown, but Dodgers and Brewers fans from the 1980s definitely remember what he brought to the field.

Early Life and Baseball Journey

Greg Brock’s road to professional baseball started with humble beginnings, shaped by his early years and college experiences. Those formative times laid the foundation for the skills that carried him through a decade in the majors.

Childhood and Family Background

Gregory Allen Brock was born June 14, 1957, in McMinnville, Oregon. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where his dad—who played semi-pro ball in the 1940s—introduced him to the game.

His family cheered him on, driving to tournaments on weekends and encouraging him to chase his athletic dreams. As the middle kid of three, Brock’s competitive streak came out naturally in backyard games and local leagues.

Living in rural Oregon gave him plenty of room to practice. He spent hours smacking baseballs against the family barn, a routine he’d later say helped him develop that left-handed power swing.

High School and Amateur Achievements

At McMinnville High School, Brock stood out as a multi-sport athlete, making noise in both baseball and basketball. Scouts noticed his power and smooth glove work at first base.

His senior year in 1975 was a big one. He helped lead his team to the state championship and put up some eye-popping numbers:

• .427 batting average
• 11 home runs
• 42 RBIs

Instead of jumping right into pro ball, Brock took a less-traveled route. He enrolled at the University of Wyoming and became an All-Conference pick as a sophomore.

That summer, he played for the Portland Mavericks and kept impressing, showing off pro-level power against tougher competition.

Stanford University Baseball Career

Despite some rumors, Greg Brock never attended Stanford. After Wyoming, he transferred to a junior college to boost his draft chances.

During that stretch, Brock worked hard on his swing and defense at first base. The Los Angeles Dodgers noticed and picked him up in the 13th round of the 1979 amateur draft.

He moved up through the minors pretty quickly for a late-round pick. Brock mashed at Triple-A Albuquerque, belting 44 homers in 1982, which earned him a shot at the majors later that year.

Path to the Major Leagues

Greg Brock’s climb to the big leagues took several years of grinding through the minors before he finally landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His journey from college to pro ball highlighted his natural power and sharp batting eye.

MLB Draft and Minor League Progression

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Brock in the 13th round of the 1979 draft, 336th overall. After his college days at Wyoming, he dove right into the Dodgers’ minor league system.

Brock’s minor league stats jumped off the page. He hit for power, especially in Albuquerque, where the thin air didn’t hurt his numbers. Eventually, he made it impossible for the Dodgers to keep him down, as he kept hitting for both average and power.

By 1982, Brock had played his way into the Dodgers’ plans. His lefty power and solid glove at first made him a well-rounded prospect ready for a shot at the big time.

Breakthrough as a Rookie

Brock got his MLB debut on September 1, 1982, called up for a late-season look. He didn’t get much Rookie of the Year buzz that year—he didn’t play enough—but he showed flashes.

He made a bigger splash in 1983, his first full season. The Dodgers asked him to fill the shoes of Steve Garvey, a huge fan favorite. That’s a tall order, but Brock managed to hit 20 home runs as a rookie.

Early on, he showed the power the Dodgers wanted. His batting average lagged a bit, but his ability to drive the ball kept him valuable in the lineup.

Influences and Mentors

Brock had the benefit of joining a Dodgers organization that really knew how to develop young talent in the early ‘80s. Veterans in the clubhouse helped him adjust to major league pitching.

Manager Tommy Lasorda, famous for nurturing rookies, probably played a big role in Brock’s early development. The Dodgers’ hitting coaches spent time working with him to fine-tune his swing for big league arms.

He also learned from experienced teammates like Dusty Baker and Ron Cey. Those relationships shaped his approach as he settled in with the Dodgers and later moved on to the Brewers during his 10-year career.

MLB Career Highlights

Greg Brock logged ten seasons in the majors, building a reputation as a solid first baseman with power at the plate and steady defense. He suited up for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.

Los Angeles Dodgers Tenure

Brock made his Dodgers debut on September 1, 1982, stepping into the pressure cooker of replacing Steve Garvey at first base. Expectations ran high after his minor league power surge.

From 1982 to 1986, Brock showed flashes of the pop that made him a top prospect. His best Dodgers season came in 1983: 20 home runs, 66 RBIs.

He had trouble finding consistency at the plate in LA, often batting below .250, which made it tough for fans to fully embrace him as Garvey’s successor.

He played on a Dodgers infield that included Pedro Guerrero, who sometimes moved around to make room for Brock at first.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Brock’s top season came in 1983: 20 homers, 66 RBIs, 61 runs. His .224 average that year disappointed some, but the power numbers kept hope alive.

In 1984, he nudged his average up to .225 and still cracked 16 home runs. Brock’s ability to draw walks kept his on-base percentage respectable, even when the hits weren’t falling.

He moved to Milwaukee in 1987 and posted his best average in 1988, hitting .287 with 10 home runs—a career high for batting average.

Brock’s plate discipline stood out. He regularly drew 60+ walks a season, peaking at 84 in 1983.

Teammates and Key Collaborations

Brock played alongside some big names with the Dodgers: Pedro Guerrero, Mike Marshall, and Orel Hershiser, to name a few. Those collaborations helped keep the Dodgers in the mix in the National League West.

When Mike Davis joined the outfield and Franklin Stubbs showed up as another first base option, Brock started seeing more competition for playing time.

He kept things professional with his teammates, but never quite built the same fan connection as Garvey.

Once in Milwaukee, Brock seemed to relax. There was less pressure, and he could focus on what he did best—hitting and fielding.

Performance in Postseason Play

Brock got his shot in the 1983 National League Championship Series with the Dodgers against the Phillies. It didn’t go great—he struggled at the plate, feeling the postseason heat.

His playoff experience was pretty limited, especially compared to some Dodgers teammates who’d been around for the 1981 World Series win. That just added more pressure for the young first baseman.

He wasn’t really known for clutch postseason moments, but he kept things steady on defense during the playoffs.

The Dodgers had high expectations for postseason runs during Brock’s years, especially after the ‘81 title, which only turned up the scrutiny.

Role and Playing Style

Greg Brock carved out a spot as a reliable first baseman over his ten-year MLB career, from 1982 to 1991. His style blended decent power at the plate with above-average defensive skills at first.

Strengths as a First Baseman

Brock brought steady offensive production to both the Dodgers and Brewers. His lefty bat balanced out lineups, especially against righties.

He showed respectable power, especially during his prime. In 1983, he put up 21 homers and 66 RBIs, proving he could be a threat.

Brock’s plate discipline really stood out. He drew plenty of walks, keeping his on-base percentage solid even when his batting average slipped.

Fielding and Gold Glove Caliber Defense

Even though Brock never won a Gold Glove, he played first base with above-average skill. At 6’3″, he gave infielders a big target and helped prevent a lot of errors.

He moved well around the bag, showing good footwork and range for a first baseman. His range factor stats put him among the more mobile guys at his position in that era.

What really set Brock apart defensively? His soft hands and knack for scooping low throws out of the dirt. He bailed out his infielders more than a few times, both in LA and Milwaukee.

Even when his bat cooled off, teams kept him in the lineup for his glove.

Significant Games and Career Moments

Over his 10-year MLB career, Greg Brock had several standout games that put his skills on display. From big nights at the plate to memorable moments in the field, he gave fans plenty to talk about.

Record-Breaking Performances

Brock’s most memorable game probably came on June 28, 1983, when he launched two home runs against the Padres and drove in five runs. That breakout night helped cement his reputation as a power threat early in his Dodgers days.

In 1984, he set a personal best with 21 home runs, showing off the power that made him valuable at first base. He never quite reached the iconic status of a Hank Aaron or Willie Mays, but he had his stretches where he looked unstoppable.

His best statistical season came in 1983, with 148 games played, 20 home runs, and 66 RBIs. After getting traded to Milwaukee, he put up another solid year in 1987 with 16 home runs.

Participation in No-Hitters and Perfect Games

Greg Brock never pitched a no-hitter or perfect game himself—he played first base, after all—but he still found himself part of some memorable baseball moments. On September 28, 1988, Brock stood on the field as a Milwaukee Brewer, watching as Nolan Ryan nearly no-hit his team.

In 31 games during the 1991 season, his last year in the majors, Brock saw more than a few close calls for no-hitters. He didn’t break them up at the plate like Willie Mays once did, but his steady defense at first base definitely mattered in those tense situations.

Brock put up solid defensive stats across 1013 games, helping his teams hold things together during those high-pressure pitching performances.

Transition to Retirement in 1991

Greg Brock wrapped up his baseball career in 1991, closing out a decade in the big leagues. In those final years, his production dropped and injuries kept piling up, so he decided to step away from pro baseball at 34.

Final MLB Seasons

Brock’s last seasons in the majors showed his skills fading. After a trade from the Brewers (yes, to the Brewers—roster shuffles can get weird), his playing time took a nosedive. He only played 65 games in his final year, batting .224 and hitting just 3 home runs.

Injuries, especially back problems, kept Brock off the field more and more. He landed on the disabled list several times, and those aches and pains really started to limit what he could do both at the plate and at first base.

His role shifted from being the everyday first baseman to more of a part-timer and occasional pinch hitter. For a guy who’d been a regular starter with the Dodgers and Brewers, that had to be tough.

Decision to Retire

At 34, Brock decided to retire instead of chasing a spot with another team. He knew his numbers were slipping and those injuries just wouldn’t go away.

Other players from his era sometimes tried comebacks or took minor league gigs, but Brock went for a clean break. He announced his retirement right after the 1991 season ended.

Money probably factored in too. After a decade of MLB paychecks, he had the financial cushion to call it quits when he wanted.

By that point, baseball was shifting to a new generation anyway. A lot of Brock’s peers were leaving the game as younger players came up in the early ‘90s.

Life After Baseball

After stepping away from MLB in 1991, Greg Brock settled into a quieter life but didn’t completely disappear from the baseball world. He focused on family, community, and keeping his baseball legacy alive in smaller ways.

Personal Life and Interests

Once he hung up his cleats, Brock put family first. After ten seasons of long road trips and a packed schedule, he finally had time to be there for his loved ones.

Father’s Day, for example, actually meant something different—he could spend it at home instead of on the road. He’d talked about looking forward to this kind of family time during his last years in the majors.

Born on June 14, 1957, Brock has kept a pretty low profile since retiring. Unlike some former players, he didn’t jump into broadcasting or coaching. He just chose a life away from the spotlight.

He’s always enjoyed the outdoors, and he’s kept up with younger baseball talent in his community—though he’s never been one to make a big deal out of it.

Community Involvement and Charitable Work

Brock has shown up for several MLB alumni charity events over the years, using his status as a former pro to give back. He keeps a lower profile than some ex-players, but his support for baseball causes is real.

You might spot him at a Dodgers or Brewers community event now and then, reconnecting with fans who remember his playing days. These appearances usually support youth baseball and community programs.

Like a lot of former MLB players adjusting to life after baseball, Brock found purpose in mentoring young athletes. He’s given advice to up-and-coming first basemen, passing on what helped him stick in the majors for a decade.

His charitable work hasn’t made headlines, but he’s focused mostly on helping kids get access to sports and education.

Legacy and Ongoing Impact

Fans of the Dodgers and Brewers still remember Brock’s steady play at first base. He never made the Hall of Fame, but his consistent left-handed fielding and hitting earned him plenty of respect in the baseball world.

His stats tell the story: a career .248 average, 149 home runs, and ten seasons that wrapped up in 1991. Baseball historians and stat geeks still mention his name when talking about that era.

Collectors still trade Brock’s memorabilia, especially stuff from his Dodgers years when the team was always in the mix. His ‘80s baseball cards are a favorite among vintage fans.

Young first basemen sometimes study his left-handed fielding style—it’s still considered pretty textbook.

Connections and Influences in Baseball

Greg Brock’s career crossed paths with some big names and teams during his decade in MLB. The people around him shaped his approach to the game, and he influenced plenty of teammates during his years with the Dodgers and Brewers.

Mentors and Influential Figures

Several baseball figures helped Brock develop at first base. In his early Dodgers years, he learned a lot from an organization with deep roots—think Jackie Robinson. Veterans like Ron Fairly, who’d played first base before moving to the outfield, shared tips about the defensive side of the position.

With the Brewers, hitting coach Jim Jones helped Brock fine-tune his swing. Brock often thanked his managers for letting him work through tough stretches and giving him chances to improve.

Teammates like Bud Black helped Brock adjust to different pitchers around the league. The clubhouse camaraderie, especially with guys like Willie McGee during the occasional interleague matchup, added to his baseball smarts and professional growth.

Comparison to Other Notable First Basemen

If you look at first basemen from the 1980s, Brock comes across as a solid contributor, not really a superstar. He hit .248 for his career and knocked out 149 home runs, which just didn’t stack up to elite guys like George Brett of the Kansas City Royals. Brett really owned the position back then, showing off a more well-rounded offensive game.

Brock’s power numbers actually matched up pretty well with players like Todd Benzinger and Nick Esasky, but he just didn’t have the consistency you’d want from a top-tier first baseman. He swung left-handed, much like Chili Davis, although Davis ended up putting up bigger numbers over time.

On defense, Brock played it steady—never flashy. He finished with a .992 fielding percentage. Sure, he didn’t snag any Gold Gloves like some of his peers, but you could count on his glove. That reliability helped balance out lineups with power bats like Bob Boone and Doug DeCinces when they played together.