APPLETON, Wis. — When Robert Moore showed up to spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers in February, he was just one of many rookies.
But he was also the only veteran.
“I’ve been to spring training just about every year of my life,” said Moore, whose father, Dayton, used to work in the front office with the Atlanta Braves before a 16-year career with the Kansas Royals as general manager and president of baseball operations."
“And this was my first spring training as a player. So, I was blessed to have my dad bring me around and (former Royals owner) Mr. (David) Glass allowed me to be around. I think it’s helped me a lot just seeing how professionals work and what the professional baseball game is about.”
Moore was 13 when the Royals won the World Series in 2015. It was a team that featured Alcides Escobar, the shortstop who began his career with the Brewers before being packaged and traded to Kansas City in a deal that brought pitcher Zack Greinke to Milwaukee. Escobar, Moore said, became his favorite player.
Moore played at the University of Arkansas, where he was nicknamed “Big Game Bob” for his propensity to deliver clutch hits. Last season, the Razorbacks advanced to the College World Series semifinals before losing to eventual champion Ole Miss. Moore was one of nine Arkansas players to be selected in the 2022 MLB Draft.
The Brewers took Moore with the 72nd overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round B.
Milwaukee received the pick for being a small-market, low revenue club. It alternates each year between picking in Comp round A, which is after round 1, and Comp round B, which is after round 2.
If Moore had any hopes of being drafted by the team he grew up around, those ended when the Royals selected his Arkansas teammate, Cayden Wallace, with the 49th pick.
His stock may have dropped some because of middling 2022 season. After hitting .283 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI in 2021, Moore batted just .232 with 8 homers and 44 RBI last season. But his defense was superb, fielding at a .992 clip with just two errors.
“A stud,” said Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Joe Aryault of Moore. “Seeing him, just a baseball player. All-around smart, heady player. Can do it all.”
Moore, a 5-9 switch hitter who will play second base for the Timber Rattlers, said no chip can be found on his should regarding his draft fate.
“I guess the only time you’re ever reminded of it is whenever you look at your bank account,” he said.
“I mean, you got to go earn it wherever you are. And good players always play. They always get a chance.”
Growing up around the game can sometimes bring with it added expectations, but not in Moore’s case.
“Not really, I don’t feel any pressure,” he said. “I’ve never felt pressure to play baseball. My parents always told me if you want to be an artist, go be an artist. I just chose baseball and baseball happens to be something that both my parents and sisters enjoy. So, I guess we can bond over that. But I’ve never felt the pressure to play baseball.”
So, after years of watching the game up close and personal, and seeing how others made the most of their opportunity, now he gets his chance.
“I’m excited to play in the cold,” Moore said, with a straight face. “Excited to see what my body feels like in August. And, you know, hopefully get a chance to play in the fall or winter again. Excited for all of it.”
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