Top Black Baseball Figures in Rome History

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

With the professional baseball in Rome still so young, we thought we would look at the top baseball figures in Rome's history.

Bobby Moore

Born in Cincinnati, OH, Moore was first drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers, but ultimately chose to attend college instead. He was then drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 16th round of the 1987 MLB Amateur Draft out of Eastern Kentucky University. At the age of 25, Moore – an outfielder - played in 18 games during the 1991 season for the Royals. In December of 1991, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves where he was assigned to their triple-A affiliate from 1992 through 1996. He ultimately retired from playing in 1996 due to a hip injury. In 1997, he began coaching in the Atlanta Braves organization and is now an assistant coach with the Rome Braves, where he will be starting his 25th year of coaching during the 2022 season. His career highlights include being inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, as well as his College Hall of Fame for his coaching successes. He has helped bring home two South Atlantic League Championships with the Rome Braves, in 2003 and 2016. When asked about what shaped him into the coach he is today, Moore stated that all his coaches in Little League Baseball, High School ball, and all the way up to Major Leagues have helped him in one way or another. Among these influences are his mother and father and his brothers, who have helped to keep him focused and grounded throughout the years. Moore, his wife, Jane, and his sons Robert Jr. and Chaz love living and being involved in the Rome Community. Moore has found much joy and passion in helping with the Rome Braves Miracle League, as well as volunteering with the Rome-Floyd Community Kitchen. Throughout his personal and professional journey, he has been blessed by good people who have developed his skills on and off the field.

Nath McClinic

Nathaniel “Nath” McClinic was born in Silver Creek, GA in 1924. McClinic served in the Army and led the Army baseball team to an island championship before being discharged in 1946. After the service, Nath played in the Negro League for several teams, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s, Cleveland Buckeyes, Atlanta Black Crackers, and Birmingham Black Barons. Nath settled in Rome after his Negro League playing career was finished. He continued playing for the Lindale Dragons of the all-black Josh Gibson League. Nath later went on to become Floyd County’s first African-American police officer in 1965; and became the first African-American graduate of the Georgia State Police Academy a year later.

Max Manning

Maxwell Manning was born in Rome, GA in 1918. Nicknamed Dr. Cyclops, Manning was known for his thick glasses he wore on the mound. His family moved to Mississippi then Pennsylvania when he was young, and, after being a standout high school player, Manning went on to the play for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League in 1939. He was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and would not return to baseball until after his service for the 1946 season. Upon his return, the Newark Eagles would go on to defeat the Kansas City Monarchs to win the Negro League World Series. Manning appeared in 3 games helping the Eagles secure the title. Manning retired from baseball after the 1948 season.