Like father, like son: Brody, Brandon Moore share CWS experience

Like father, like son: Brody, Brandon Moore share CWS experienceLike father, like son: Brody, Brandon Moore share CWS experience
Cat Wofford/Auburn Athletics

It Just Means Moore: Brody, left, and Brandon Moore, Auburn's father-son CWS duo

OMAHA, Neb. – Watching his son play baseball in Nebraska in June, Brandon Moore instantly flashed back 25 years to 1994, when he played for Auburn in the College World Series.

"We had good pitching, we had good defense and our offense kind of sputtered looking back on it," said Brandon, a shortstop who led the '94 Tigers in runs batted in. "It was pretty much the same exact scenario, looking back between the two teams. It's been fun to be a part of this as a parent and as a fan. It's so much fun to say, 'War Eagle.'"

Auburn freshman Brody Moore grew up hearing his dad's Omaha memories. Now, he's making his own.

"He was always telling me it's the trip of a lifetime," Brody said. "It's the best trip he's ever made. I know he's made a lot of trips with the game of baseball. To know Omaha is his most enjoyed trip, it's very special that we get to go."

Five Auburn teams have reached the College World Series: 1967, 1976, 1994, 1997 and 2019. Brandon and Brody are first father-son tandem to wear and share the orange and blue in Omaha.

"Very special, very fortunate and very blessed," said Brandon.

"My dad was a very good player here and I'm just trying to follow in his footsteps and Omaha is just one step closer," Brody said.

'Trip of a lifetime': Brody and Brandon Moore before Tiger Walk at the College World Series

After starring for Auburn, Brandon played seven seasons of professional baseball before becoming a coach, first in the minor leagues, then at Oneonta High School, where he coached sons Brody and Braden.

"It's so fun to watch the way they've come together and play good baseball down the stretch," said Brandon, a career .332 hitter from 1991-94. "Counting on guys to make good plays and make good pitches and get timely hits. It's all just come around. It's been fun to watch this team piece together what they've been trying to do all year. To come together at this point in the season, culminating here in Omaha is just unbelievable."

After arriving at Auburn last summer, Brody had to have surgery in August to remove a non-cancerous tumor from his leg, costing Moore a chance to participate in fall practice.

A shortstop in high school, Brody has played at first, third and left field during his freshman season.

"I've just learned you've got to come to the ballpark and work every single day," Brody said. "Nothing is given to you at this level. I feel like my teammates and I have done that all year and have been rewarded.

"You've always got to stay ready. You never know when the team might need you. Always ready."

Brandon Moore batted .361 to help Auburn reach the 1994 College World Series

During his senior season, Brandon hit .361 to help the Tigers make it to Omaha. A quarter-century later, he's back as a father and fan.

"I told Brody I was proud of him," Brandon said. "His mom and I, we go a little bit deeper when we say proud now. He had a rough stretch there when all this started. The biggest thing is, we were proud for him to bust his butt to even get back in a position to be on the travel squad. He knows where he ranks right now, and he's worked hard to get better. His coaches have helped him. They've taught him three or four positions that he's never played in his life, and he's gone out there and played well for them. He's done what he's been asked to do, and hopefully he'll some way contribute to a World Series ring."

Just like his dad, Brody Moore now has a College World Series jersey of his own.

"It's just something special," Brody said. "Something that you dream of when you're a little kid. You watch the World Series, and you always just dream of playing in that ballpark."

Family tradition: Brody Moore introduced at 2019 College World Series

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer