Mike Moore (baseball executive) facts for kids

Mike Moore was an important person in American baseball. He was born in 1941 and passed away in 2022. For many years, he was the president of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, which is now known as Minor League Baseball. He led this organization from 1991 to 2007.

Early Life in Baseball

Mike Moore was born and grew up in Columbus, Indiana. In 1960, he went to the University of Tampa. There, he played college baseball as a catcher for the Tampa Spartans team.

After a shoulder injury, Mike could no longer play baseball. Instead, he started calling the Spartans' baseball games on the college radio station. He also managed the radio station. In 1963, he earned a degree in business education.

Starting His Career

After college, Mike Moore became the sports information director for the University of Tampa. This job meant he helped share news and information about the university's sports teams. He also worked in radio and TV. He hosted a country music radio show and was a sports reporter for WTVT. He even worked as a ring announcer for Championship Wrestling from Florida.

From 1971 to 1988, Mike worked for the Tampa Tarpons baseball team. This team was part of the Florida State League. He was a vice president, a general manager, and even a part owner of the team. A general manager helps run the team and makes decisions about players.

During the 1970s, the Tampa Tarpons were part of the Cincinnati Reds' farm system. A "farm system" is where young players develop their skills before playing in the major leagues. Mike worked with Bob Howsam, who was the general manager for the Reds. Bob Howsam helped build the famous "Big Red Machine" team, which won many championships.

Leading Minor League Baseball

In 1988, Mike Moore started working for the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). He was the chief administrative officer, helping to manage the organization.

Becoming President

In December 1991, Mike Moore was chosen as the 10th president of the NAPBL. One of his most important actions happened in 1992. He brought people together to rewrite the National Association Agreement. This agreement had controlled how the NAPBL and its member leagues worked together since 1901. It was a big step to update it for modern baseball.

Mike also helped change the NAPBL from a "political" group to more of a "corporate" one. This means it became more organized and business-like. Under his leadership, the organization grew a lot. Before becoming president, Mike helped create a partnership with Major League Baseball. This partnership allowed Minor League Baseball to sell official team merchandise.

Growth and Records

Mike Moore was re-elected as president three times without anyone running against him. This shows how much trust people had in his leadership. During his time as president, more and more fans came to watch Minor League Baseball games.

In 2007, which was Mike Moore's last season as president, Minor League Baseball set a new record. Over 42.8 million fans attended games that year! He spent 16 years leading the organization.

In 2009, Mike Moore was honored for his contributions. He became one of the first people to be included in the Florida State League Hall of Fame.

Personal Life and Passing

Mike Moore and his wife, Barbara, had five children. They also had nine grandchildren.

Mike Moore passed away on February 3, 2022, at the age of 80. He died at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida, after being sick for a long time.