By Austin Mirmina.
Quinnipiac outfielder Brian Moskey stood warming up in centerfield in the last inning of what could possibly be the last baseball game he ever plays. But instead of tossing the ball into the dugout before the start of the inning, Moskey turned toward the bleachers and lofted the ball to the nearest child sitting beyond the centerfield fence.
It was a moment of reflection for Moskey in Quinnipiac’s loss to #10 East Carolina in the NCAA Tournament Regional – a reminder that baseball provides more meaning than just the score.
“Sometimes you get lost in the game, and you’re not able to have fun like you were as a kid,” Moskey said. “It’s not easy to take a step back and realize how much fun [baseball] is.”
Moskey’s dual approach to the game hasn’t changed in his 17-year baseball career. He maintains a humble, business-like demeanor while also carrying a touch of youthfulness that allows him to keep things in perspective. It’s an attitude admired by his family and teammates, and one that has propelled him to great heights throughout his baseball journey.
Moskey, an alumnus of Haddam Killingworth High School, is a dedicated player who prides himself on consistent preparation. He’s typically quiet and reserved – but every once in a while he’ll display a passionate outburst that shows how much he loves to compete.
After hitting a game-tying homerun in the semifinals of the MAAC Tournament against Manhattan, Moskey fist pumped his way around the bases. He erupted again in the championship game against Fairfield, roaring toward the Quinnipiac dugout after swatting a leadoff homerun.
Moskey’s teammate and fellow outfielder Anthony Cruz has seen that raw emotion firsthand. “When he shows emotion, you know it’s so genuine,” Cruz said. “Not many people have the emotion that he has in a game because he just cares so much about the sport and the team.”
The ardent effort won Moskey MVP honors of the MAAC Tournament and sent Quinnipiac to the NCAA Tournament. The Bobcats were underdogs to East Carolina in the Greenville, North Carolina Regional, but stunned the Pirates by winning their opening round game. Moskey enjoyed every moment.
“If you see some of the pictures… you just see he gives every ounce of his body,” Brian’s mother, Cindy Moskey, said. “He played with passion.”
Moskey credits his relaxed approach with helping him navigate the rigors of a grueling 56-game schedule in addition to completing his schoolwork. It also helped him correct his early season struggles at the plate – at one point his batting average dropped to an uncharacteristic .210. But then Moskey started slowing down and enjoying the game like a kid playing in the sandlot. It’s a mindset that he and Cruz constantly bring up in the outfield.
“Every moment when you’re not doing well, take a deep breath, take in the crowd, and take in the atmosphere,” Cruz said. “We just have fun with the game, and I think that’s why we won and upset [East Carolina].”
Moskey said he’s unsure if he’ll play baseball again – he just graduated from Quinnipiac with a degree in business management. He’ll spend his summer considering his options, while doing plenty of hunting, fishing, and working on the two family boats – High Flyer and Low Flyer.
But of course he’ll miss baseball, especially the little moments, like throwing a ball to a child in the outfield. It’s a souvenir he hopes will remind some young fan not to lose sight of having fun while playing.
“[Baseball] is a crazy ride, and one that will make memories last a lifetime.”
Photos used by permission from Brian Moskey.
