Jo Jo Moore, A Home-Town Kid with a Big-League Dream
The 1930s were a time of struggle and uncertainty. The Great Depression left millions of Americans unemployed, families stretched every penny, and rural communities like those in Milam County leaned on one another to get by. Yet, through all the hardship, baseball fans could escape their daily struggles and immerse themselves in the excitement of the game, finding solace in the "National Pastime.”
Throughout the Great Depression, baseball remained an affordable escape, with teams keeping ticket prices low and offering promotions to fill the stands. Fans could sit in the bleachers, eat a hot dog, and watch their heroes take the field, if only for a few hours of relief. The game became more than entertainment; it was a symbol of resilience, proof that no matter how tough times got, America’s pastime would endure. That spirit of perseverance was woven into the game itself—and into players like Jo-Jo Moore.
From Gause, Texas to the Big Leagues
Born on Christmas Day in 1908 in the small Texas community of Gause, Moore embodied the hard-working values of his hometown. At 5’11” and 150 pounds, he wasn’t the biggest or the strongest, but he had something that couldn’t be measured—grit. A natural hitter with a sharp eye at the plate, Moore rarely struck out and became known for his defensive skills in left field.
His talent and determination earned him a spot with the New York Giants, where he played among baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Lefty Gomez. Under manager Bill Terry, Moore became the Giants’ leadoff hitter and starting left fielder, helping the team win three National League pennants. He played in three World Series (1933, 1936, and 1937), and when the Giants defeated the Washington Senators in 1933, he retired as a World Series champion.
A Record-Breaking Career
Jo-Jo Moore played in three World Series (1933, 1936, and 1937), and when the Giants defeated the Washington Senators in 1933, he retired as a World Series champion. That same year, he set a record that still stands today—recording two hits in a single World Series inning.
Over his 10-year career, Moore maintained a .298 batting average and was a six-time All-Star (1934–38, 1940). His consistency at the plate and skill in the outfield earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His manager once called him “the greatest left fielder I ever saw.”
Even with his success in the big leagues, Moore never forgot where he came from.
““Baseball was good to me,” he once said. “We played in a time when times were bad. You couldn’t hardly get ahold of a dollar… In New York, I saw street corners where soup kitchen lines stretched for blocks.””
Staying True to His Roots
Even with his success in the big leagues, Moore never forgot where he came from. After retiring in 1943, Moore returned home to Gause, where he used his World Series earnings to buy a ranch. He and his wife lived there for more than 50 years, raising cattle and staying connected to the close-knit community that shaped him.
A Lasting Legacy
In 1989, Jo-Jo Moore was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place in the state’s sports history. Today, his legacy is honored at the Milam County Historical Museum, where visitors can see an original Jo-Jo Moore baseball card, a signed bat and ball, and other historical treasures that celebrate his remarkable journey.
Jo-Jo Moore’s story isn’t just about baseball—it’s about resilience, determination, and never forgetting your roots. From the dusty fields of Gause to the grandest stage in baseball, he proved that even in the hardest of times, hometown dreams could lead to big-league success.
