 As a player, he was an infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1986–87), New York Mets (1989), San Diego Padres (1991–94 and 1996–97), Houston Astros (1995) and Anaheim Angels (1998).He played collegiately at the University of Alabama.Shipley batted and threw right-handed; he stood tall, and weighed (12 stone 7).