Don Mooney

For a young boy in late 1940s America, one of the most common dreams was to someday play in the big leagues. Perhaps only slightly more attainable (and age appropriate) is the dream to be a bat boy for a professional team. Don Mooney was one of the few who got to live that dream.

Born Aug. 28, 1931, in Tacoma, Mooney first started working in sports as a parking lot attendant and usher for the Tacoma Rockets Hockey Club from 1946-49. But for one magical summer in 1947, Mooney was the bat boy for the Tacoma Tigers. This season brought lifelong memories and lifetime friendships with Clay Huntington, Earl Kuper, and Dick Greco.

Mooney was a solid athlete in his own right, earning all-league honors twice as the hockey goalkeeper at Stadium High School. He also lettered twice as an outfielder for the baseball team before graduating in 1949.

Following graduation, Mooney spent time working for the Milwaukee Railroad and serving in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for more than 30 years as an assistant and then as a traffic manager for Nalley’s Fine Foods. He was also a member of the coaching staff for the Foss High School girls’ slowpitch and boys’ basketball teams. Through it all, Mooney carried a song as a talented tenor in many theater productions, including the Stadium High School opera group.