Jerry Brooks facts for kids

Jerome Edward Brooks, born on March 23, 1967, is a former professional baseball player. He was an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Florida Marlins. He played in 17 games during the 1993 and 1996 seasons. Brooks also played baseball in Japan for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in the Japanese Pacific League.

Early Life and College Baseball

Jerry Brooks grew up in Syracuse, New York. He attended Clemson University, a well-known college. While at Clemson, he played collegiate summer baseball. In 1987, he joined the Cotuit Kettleers team in the Cape Cod Baseball League. This league is famous for helping young players get ready for professional baseball. During his time there, he was chosen as a league all-star, showing he was a top player.

Becoming a Professional Player

After his college career, Jerry Brooks was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. This happened in the 12th round of the 1988 MLB Draft. Being drafted means a professional team chose him to join their organization. This was the start of his journey toward playing in the Major Leagues.

A Unique Baseball Record

Jerry Brooks holds a very special and rare record in Major League Baseball history. He is the only player to ever finish his career with exactly four hits, and those four hits made up a "cycle."

What is a Baseball Cycle?

A "cycle" in baseball means a player hits a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in the same game. It's a very difficult thing to do!

Jerry Brooks' Special Cycle

Jerry Brooks' cycle was different because it happened over his entire MLB career, not in one game.

• In 1993, playing for the Dodgers, he hit a double and a home run.
• In 1996, playing for the Marlins, he hit a single and a triple.

These four hits were the only ones he got in his MLB career. No other player has ever ended their career with exactly four hits, each being a different type needed for a cycle. This makes his career truly unique in baseball history.

Playing in Japan

After his time in Major League Baseball, Jerry Brooks went to play baseball in Japan. He joined the Nippon-Ham Fighters team. He played for them from 1997 to 1998. Playing in different countries is common for professional athletes. It allows them to continue their careers and experience new cultures.

See also

• 1991 Caribbean Series

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• 1994–1995 Toros del Este Dominican League Champion (Spanish)