On This Date in Sports July 18, 1989: A Lost Angel

Frank The Tank 7/18/2023 12:00 AM

Baseball heartbreak turns tragic as former California Angels reliever Donnie Moore commits suicide and attempts to murder his wife. Moore had been in a downward spiral personally and professionally since blowing Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS. The Angels were one strike away from the World Series when Dave Henderson homered. Donnie Moore struggled the next two seasons and was out of baseball when he took his own life at the age of 35.

Donnie Moore was born in Lubbock, Texas, on February 13, 1954. After going unsigned after being drafted in the 12th round by the Boston Red Sox, Moore was selected in the first round of the secondary stage of the MLB draft in January 1973 by the Chicago Cubs. After a brief appearance with the Cubs at the end of the 1975 season, Donnie Moore made it up to the majors to stay in 1977. After three seasons with the Cubs, Moore spent one year with the St. Louis Cardinals and one year with the Milwaukee Brewers before joining the Atlanta Braves in 1982.

A reliever most of his career, Donnie Moore had his first real success when he joined the California Angels in 1985 as he registered a career-best 31 saves and pitched in the All-Star Game. The All-Star season allowed Moore to cash in and sign a three-year deal worth three million dollars with the Angels. Donnie Moore had another strong season in 1986, saving 21 games as California won the American League West.

Donnie Moore first showed signs of trouble in Game 3, as he allowed two runs in two innings of work but held on for the saves as the Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 5-3. After the Angels won Game 4 in 11 innings, 4-3, they stood one win away from their first World Series appearance. The Halos could almost taste it as they led 5-2 in the ninth inning of Game 5. Gene Mauch had tried to have Mike Witt get a complete game, but it was clear he was spent when Don Baylor hit a two-run shot to make it 5-4. After Witt retired Dwight Evans, Gary Lucas came on in relief and plunked Rich Gedman. Donnie Moore was then called on and gave up a two-run shot to Dave Henderson, giving Boston a 6-5 lead. The Angels would rally to tie the game, but Henderson dove in another run in the 11th as Boston won 7-6, with Moore wearing the loss. The Angels would not recover from the Game 5 loss as the Red Sox won 10-4 in Game 6 and 8-1 in Game 7 to advance to the World Series.

The next two seasons saw Donnie Moore underperform in Anaheim, as he was routinely booed. At the time of the ALCS, he had been dealing with a back issue that lingered throughout 1987, but the Angels accused him of malingering, feeling his heart was not in the game, as he made just 14 appearances. After another disappointing season in 1988, Donnie Moore was released by the Angels. The following spring, he had been unable to land a major league contract but had pitched in the Kansas City Royals minor league system before being cut in June.

At the same time, he was struggling on the field; Donnie Moore was having trouble at home, as his relationship with his wife had strained. Moore’s behavior had become a concern for his wife, Tanya. He had a tendency towards domestic violence, and the loss of his income had led to financial concerns for the family of five. His wife had considered leaving him over concerns of more violence when her worse fears were confirmed. Donnie Moore shot her three times with a loaded .45. Moore’s eldest daughter was able to take her by car to a local hospital, where she survived the shooting. However, Donnie Moore, whose goal seemed to have been a murder-suicide, went forward with his plan and pointed the gun to his head, and fired with his two sons watching on.

In the aftermath, friends, family, and former teammates were left wondering how they missed the warning signs and what they could have done differently to save Donnie Moore’s life.