Originally, Brooks was drafted by the Montreal Expos as a senior at Manuel Dominguez High School in the 1974 Major League Baseball Draft but chose instead to attend Arizona State University. With the Sun Devils, Brooks appeared in two NCAA College World Series, winning in 1977. The ASU shortstop was drafted fifth overall in the January 1976 secondary draft by the Kansas City Royals, fourteenth overall in the June 1976 secondary draft by the Chicago White Sox, second overall in the January 1977 secondary draft by the Oakland Athletics, and again by the White Sox third overall in the June 1977 secondary draft; however, he did not sign with any team. After he played out his college career, he was drafted by the Mets third overall in the 1978 amateur draft, two selections behind ASU teammate Bob Horner.\n', '

Unlike Horner, who was immediately assigned to the Atlanta Braves\' major league roster upon signing, Brooks was assigned to the double A Jackson Mets, where he batted .216 with 3 home runs and 16 RBIs in 45 games. The following season, with fellow Mets prospect Wally Backman playing short for Jackson, Brooks was converted to a third baseman. He also played some outfield with the triple A Tidewater Tides in 1980.\n', '

Brooks debuted as a September call-up in 1980. In 24 games, Brooks batted .309 with 1 home run and 10 runs batted in. He won the starting job at third out of Spring training 1981 and quickly became a fan favorite, batting over .300 for most of the strike shortened season. He finished the season at .307 with four home runs and 38 RBIs to finish third in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Fernando Valenzuela and Tim Raines.\n', '

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