| Erskine College netnews |
It's not that unusual for a former
Flying Fleet baseball player to come back and work with the team, and
this is the third year that Coach Moody has come to Due West for the
pre-season. What's different is how
people refer to his current full-time occupation, because Coach
Moody is also Eric Moody, pitcher for the Texas Rangers of the American
League. Moody started last baseball season with the Ranger's Class AAA minor league team, the Oklahoma City 89ers, after spending his first spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., with the major leaguers. Then, on August 2, Moody got the call to report to the major league team in Arlington, Texas. Two days later he made his first major league appearance pitching two and one-third innings of relief against the Cleveland Indians.
Originally called
up to provide long relief for the Rangers' ailing
pitching staff, Moody started one game and appeared in nine
others. He was sent back to the minors after eight days only to return
again on August 20th. He was then sent back down on August 30. He
didn't leave the major league team, however, having been told he would be
recalled again the next day, September 1.
"I had to watch a game we played in San Diego from the clubhouse because I wasn't on the roster that day," Moody said.
For the Erskine College pitching staff working in the pre-season with a current major leaguer has some extra impact.
"We hang on his every word," said senior co-captain Brad Small of Lancaster. "That's our dream to get where he is. He's setting a good path to follow to get there ourselves."
Moody's success, though, hasn't changed his down-to-earth attitude and gracious nature. "He's the same old Eric. It's nice to see someone on the mound when you turn on the TV. It gets you pumped up. Because one day, you never know..."
Moody finished the season with the Rangers. He will report to the Rangers' spring training camp in the second week of February to try and vie for a spot on the starting day roster. His outlook is positive, though.
"Even if I don't start with the Rangers, I know I have a good chance of getting back," Moody said as he cited the faith that has sustained him throughout his five years as a professional. "I thank the good Lord for the ability I have that has gotten me this far."
Moody has been assisting Erskine baseball coach Dan Massarelli who will begin his second year as head coach when the Flying Fleet play Milligan College on Friday, February 6.
