Paris man headed to Indiana University on a hardball scholarship

Eighteen-year-old Will Moore has his sights set on the MLB

By Casandra Turnbull

A rising baseball prodigy, hailing from Paris, Ontario, is on his way to Indiana University this fall on a scholarship.

Eighteen-year-old Will Moore had a whirlwind summer participating in several hardball tournaments in the United States, one that resulted in a life changing opportunity to play university ball, edging him a step closer to his overall dream of swinging an MLB bat one day.

During a tournament in Indiana this summer, Moore was scouted and invited by the University team’s head coach to tour the campus He said he knew there were lots of scouts around, he was unsure of which ones, but he knew there was an opportunity to prove his talents. So, when the coach called, he felt something big was about to happen.

“After touring the university, we went into the coach’s lounge – that’s when they gave me the offer,” explains Moore. “It felt great knowing that all the hard work and dedication was starting to pay off!”

As he builds his athletic prowess, Moore thinks he will study business related courses at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Juggling an intense baseball regiment and his studies will be a challenge for this freshman, but it’s a challenge he is well prepared to tackle “My parents (Mike and Lori Moore) have instilled great work ethic in both me and my sister (Sam) Continued on page 16

They have been great role models and are the reason my sister and I are hard-working people,” said Will. “I truly think I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance,” he acknowledges.

Moore is a dynamic player on the field, but his skills at shortstop are what set him apart from most players. Early on, Moore used to pitch but quickly shifted his focus to shortstop. Throughout the years, he’s developed a good offensive and defensive game with his smooth, quick hands, strong arm and use of speed and athleticism to enhance his game. He’s hitting .478 this season and while he can smack a long ball, his dominance comes from his ability to nail line drives in gaps in the outfield, making him a valuable and dangerous member of the offensive line up.

Moore’s interest in baseball started during his early years playing tee ball in Paris before he switched to hardball in Brantford He went on to play in Kitchener and eventually landed on the London Great Lake Canadians team. He’s coached by his dad Mike, Brian Bishop, and a Great Lake Canadians Staff, whom he credits for driving and encouraging him to be the player he is today.

Moore has many memories on and off the ball diamond over the years and has developed many friendships within the dugouts. His favourite memory, however, was this past season with the Great Lake Canadians when the team finished 16th out of more than 400 teams in the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Tournament. It ranked the team the 43rd best U17 team in North America and is the first of what will hopefully be many memorable accomplishments in his budding career. As he prepares to work hard and distinguish himself at Indiana University, he also has his sights set on the MLB While he’d willing accept any offer presented to him (in a heartbeat), he did admit it would be pretty special if he could play for his favourite team – The Toronto Blue Jays.

Until then, he will continue to improve, one hit and one defensive play at a time, while observing as much advice as possible along the way.