One of the beautiful benefits of having Ragin’ Review’s platform is the ability to honor those from the past who contributed to the growth and success of Louisiana athletics. No one comes to my mind quicker than Mr. Marion Lartigue “Tigue” Moore.

While my brother coached American Legion games during my childhood, I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Moore, albeit from a kid’s perspective.  I often finagled my way into the press box (where there was air conditioning) during some of those hot summer games, and Mr. Moore never missed a chance to say “Hi young man.”  In fact, there were many times he looked forward to my appearance, so that he could give me a dollar to run down to the concessions stand to get him a bag of popcorn. 

I always returned with popcorn and a dollar bill.  His money was never any good there.

Mr. Moore was a constant presence at his namesake baseball field. And his connection with those close to him lasted far past his days on this earth. In one example, the beautiful wooden office desk that he sat behind for dozens of years sits in my brother’s house today. That’s exactly how he would have wanted it.

The land that the baseball stadium sits on?  You can thank Mr. Moore.  Those pine trees?  Yup, that was because of him as well.  There are countless stories about “Mr. Baseball,” and the following is just the tip of the iceberg.

“Mr. Baseball”

Marion Lartigue “Tigue” Moore (1908–1994) was a beloved figure in Lafayette, Louisiana, whose influence on local sports – especially baseball – spanned the 1960s through the late 1990s. Often called “Mr. Baseball” in Acadiana , Moore earned a reputation as the founding father of Acadiana baseball for his tireless efforts in nurturing youth leagues and supporting the Louisiana’s baseball program. His contributions ranged from building grassroots American Legion baseball teams to helping establish the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home stadium, leaving an indelible mark on the community’s sports culture. This article explores Moore’s legacy, highlighting his key roles, milestones, and the lasting impact of his dedication to local sports.

Early Life and Community Involvement

Moore was a native of South Carolina who settled in Lafayette in the late 1930s. A World War II veteran, he and his wife Catherine co-founded the Lafayette Credit Bureau in 1940, where he worked until retiring in 1967 . After his business career, Moore devoted himself fully to civic and sports endeavors. He served on the Lafayette Playground and Parks Commission for an impressive 22 years , helping guide the expansion of public recreation facilities during the post-war boom. In fact, Lafayette’s 130-acre Moore Park – a major sports park north of Interstate 10 – was later named in his honor , recognizing his decades of service in developing local parks and playgrounds. During these years, Moore also emerged as a leader in civic organizations: he served as President of the USL Century Club (a booster organization for the University of Southwestern Louisiana), won the prestigious Lafayette Civic Cup for community service, and even became the second-ever recipient of the national Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award in 1975 . These roles and honors illustrate the breadth of Moore’s commitment to his community beyond the baseball diamond.

Champion of Youth Baseball in Lafayette 

One of Moore’s most enduring contributions was to youth baseball, particularly the American Legion baseball program in Lafayette. In the 1950’s, organized youth and summer league baseball in South Louisiana was still developing, and Moore was instrumental in building it from the ground up . He helped start the American Legion baseball program in the region many decades ago, providing local teenagers the opportunity to play competitive summer baseball and gain exposure to higher levels of the sport. Moore poured his energy into this program, serving as a staunch supporter of American Legion Baseball on the local, state and national levels . Under his guidance and advocacy, Lafayette fielded multiple American Legion teams and became a powerhouse in youth baseball. By the time of his later years, the program he fostered was flourishing – Acadiana Youth Baseball (the organization that oversees American Legion teams in the area) was regularly fielding six or seven teams each year, a direct continuation of Moore’s legacy .

Moore’s hands-on involvement earned him the affectionate title of “Mr. Baseball” in Lafayette . He was known to attend countless local games – whether it was a high school matchup, an American Legion tournament, or a college game – always supporting young athletes from the sidelines. Although he had no children of his own, Moore became an adoptive father to many of the boys who played baseball in Lafayette . Generations of local players came to know his kindness and mentorship. Nephew Steve Moore recalled that at Tigue’s funeral in 1994, “so many people came up and told me things that Tigue had done which the public never knew about.” For example, Moore quietly paid the remaining college tuition for a student who had run out of money, enabling that young man to graduate, and on another occasion he bought a baseball glove for a child who couldn’t afford one . These anecdotes, shared by those he helped, paint a picture of a humble philanthropist who viewed the community’s youth as his family. Thanks to Moore’s dedication, Lafayette’s youth baseball programs thrived – producing talented players and instilling a love of the game in the community. It’s no surprise that locals remember Marion “Tigue” Moore as the founding father of Acadiana baseball , given how much he did to cultivate the sport’s grassroots in the region.

Supporter of the Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Program

Moore’s influence extended deeply into Louisiana athletics, especially the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball program. A long-time supporter of the university (known as University of Southwestern Louisiana during much of his life), he volunteered and fundraised tirelessly to elevate its sports programs. In the early 1970s, Moore became the first full-time Executive Director of the UL Foundation, a position he remarkably filled as a volunteer for 12 years . In this role he helped lay the financial groundwork for various university initiatives, including athletics. He and Catherine contributed numerous scholarships and financial assistance to UL students over the years , reflecting his belief in nurturing young people both on and off the field.

Moore was particularly passionate about the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team. He served as President of the Century Club (the athletics booster club) and was a familiar presence at UL baseball games, often offering encouragement and support to coaches and players. His deep commitment was formally recognized when the university built a new baseball stadium on campus in the late 1970s. On March 31, 1979, the facility was dedicated as Moore Field in honor of the Moore family – a testament to the impact Tigue had on Cajun athletics. Moore Field finally gave the Ragin’ Cajuns a true home ballpark, and it was Moore’s advocacy and generosity that helped make it possible. Fittingly, this ballpark became a center of Lafayette’s baseball activity, hosting not only college games but also high-profile events like Louisiana state high school championships and American Legion state tournaments in subsequent years.

In February 1994, Marion “Tigue” Moore passed away at the age of 85, just days before the start of the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball season . The loss was felt deeply in the community, but the tribute that followed ensured his name would live on at the university he loved. At the Cajuns’ 1995 season opener (March 3, 1995 against the University of Maine), Moore Field was officially rechristened “M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore, Jr. Field” in his honor . By adding his nickname, the university cemented Moore’s legacy at the very venue where his contributions had been so influential. To this day, UL's baseball complex bears his name – now known as M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park – reminding players and fans alike of the man who helped build the program. As one account noted, the late Marion Lartigue Moore, Jr. and his wife touched thousands of lives with their volunteer work at the University and throughout Acadiana . The stadium that carries his name stands as a brick-and-mortar symbol of that fact.

Honors, Impact and Lasting Legacy 

Throughout his life, Tigue Moore amassed a collection of accolades that reflect his far-reaching impact. In addition to the Lafayette Civic Cup (recognizing him as the city’s outstanding citizen in a given year) and the national Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award in 1975 , he received numerous other local, state, and national honors for his efforts in sports and civic causes . These awards, while prestigious, only tell part of the story. Moore’s true legacy resides in the people and institutions he uplifted. The American Legion baseball program he helped found continues to thrive in the Lafayette area, fielding teams and producing athletes long after his passing . Many of the young players he mentored went on to college or even professional baseball, carrying forward the skills and values learned under “Mr. Baseball’s” watchful eye. Within the city, Moore Park remains a bustling hub for youth sports and recreation – each time families gather there for a weekend tournament or practice, they benefit from the facilities that Moore was instrumental in developing. 

At UL, Moore’s influence is equally enduring. The Ragin’ Cajuns baseball program grew from a modest local team into a nationally recognized program in the years following Moore’s contributions. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Cajuns were reaching new heights – including a College World Series appearance in 2000 – achievements built on the strong foundation of support that figures like Tigue Moore had laid. Every game at “The Tigue” (as the ballpark is affectionately known) is a celebration of his legacy. Generations of UL players have enjoyed the top-notch facilities and passionate fan base that Moore helped cultivate. And when fans enter the gates of Tigue Moore Field, they pass by the plaque honoring his memory and are reminded of the standard of selflessness and community spirit he set .

Perhaps the most profound measure of Moore’s legacy is the esteem in which he is held by those who knew him. Described as a remarkable man who was dedicated to others , Moore touched lives in ways that went far beyond wins and losses. “He was always there in the event that someone needed something,” one acquaintance recalled . Whether it was lending a hand to a struggling student or guiding a young ballplayer, Moore’s quiet acts of generosity created a ripple effect that is still felt in Lafayette today. “Tigue had no children of his own,” his nephew noted, “but he was an adoptive father to many, especially those who played baseball.” In the hearts of those many “adopted” sons – and in the fields and ballparks of Lafayette – Marion “Tigue” Moore’s spirit lives on.

In hindsight, Moore’s lifelong devotion to Lafayette’s sports community built more than just successful teams; it built a culture of camaraderie, philanthropy, and love for the game. His name on the city’s park and the university’s field ensures that future generations will learn about the man who was fundamental in creating the rich baseball tradition of Acadiana. Marion L. “Tigue” Moore’s legacy is one of passion for sports, service to youth, and unwavering support for his community, a legacy that continues to inspire and thrive decades after he took his final bow .