Forbes was a key member of Wichita State University’s 1989 College World Series championship team. He was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference second baseman at Wichita State. During the Shockers College World Series Championship season, Forbes led the NCAA in hits and triples.

Three months later he won the National Baseball Congress World Series as a member of the Wichita Broncos.

Forbes was drafted by the California Angels in the 20th round of the 1990 MLB Draft. He reached the majors in 1998 with Baltimore and also appeared with Philadelphia in 2001. Following his playing career, he managed for the Phillies, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers organizations in the minor leagues. While in the Orioles organization, Forbes became a fan favorite while playing three seasons at Rochester, New York (AAA). He was inducted into the Rochester Red Wings and Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame after his playing days.

He grew up in Pittsburg, KS, attending Colgan High School where he was a three-sport standout with all-state recognitions. The 1984 football team captured the 2A state championship with PJ at quarterback.