A native of Australia by way of the University of Alabama, Shipley played with the Dodgers, Mets and Padres before he was traded to Houston as part of the mega-trade that included Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley and Derek Bell. In 92 games, the infielder hit .263 with three homers.

Granted free agency after the season, Shipley re-signed with the Padres and closed out his career with the Anaheim Angels. For his 11 big league seasons, he hit .271 with 20 homers and 33 steals.