Moss, 52 has been playing baseball since his father, Dan, started throwing a ball with him in the front yard of their Fort Wayne home when Randy was 4 or 5 years old. That love never faded.

So when he called his father to tell him he had been inducted into the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame, Moss could barely get the words out.

“He just did so much for all of my brothers and for me in general, I felt like it was an honor for him,” Moss said. “He put in countless hours making sure I could field a ground ball the right way, throw strikes when I was pitching, making sure I could hit properly. All those hours and the hard work paid off.”

Moss was inducted into the hall of fame last month in Evansville, along with several other members of the 2016 class.

For Moss, it was recognition of the determination that has kept him in the game, and for which he gives back as co-owner of Stars Baseball Academy, 16335 Lima Road, Building No. 7, Huntertown. Moss and Scott Black have run the academy for 14 years.

Moss has also been a quality player for decades. He played at North Side High School, Vincennes junior college, San Diego State University (where a shoulder injury limited him) and finally at Huntington University, where he earned All-America status.

After college, he continued his baseball career at the amateur and semipro level, most notably with the Portland Rockets and Fort Wayne Rangers. He remains an active player in the Men’s Senior Baseball League.

“I would really do it all over again tomorrow, the same way,” Moss said. “I have enjoyed everywhere I went and the experiences and the coaching philosophies, and it has all molded me into who I am today where I still play and talk to kids and teach the game.”

Moss played shortstop in high school and then moved to play center field in college. He has been a leadoff hitter everywhere he has played. He helps put together a team for an annual trip to the Roy Hobbs World Series for 35-and-over in Fort Myers, Fla.

In the senior baseball league, Moss plays with his brother, Rodney and Rodney’s son, Derek. Derek is only 23, but the league permits a few younger players in the league.

“It’s really motivating to me to play with the younger guys,” Moss said. “They have such doggone fresh legs and quick hands. I try not to let them outdo me.”

One day, Moss hopes to play on a team with his own son, Treyvin, who is a junior at Concordia High School who is drawing interest from colleges.

Moss remembers those who taught him the game along the way, from his father to the coaches he played for in summer baseball. He vividly remember Sam Talarico Sr. helping him as his first coach other than his father. He said numerous teammates helped make him the player he became, too.

“I played Connie Mack (League) for Sim Nelson, Sr.,” Moss said. “That really made a big impact on me and my life.”

Moss’ residence was, and is, in Fort Wayne. His home is on the diamond. <br>

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