In a meaningless September game between the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, one family watched a moment it will never forget. Brian Moran, 30, made his Major League debut for the Marlins after 10 years toiling in the minor leagues. The second batter he faced? None other than younger brother Colin, a Pirates third baseman.
It was the first time brothers had faced each other while one played in his first MLB game. The debutante struck out the veteran younger brother while the family watched from the stands.
“It’s incredible,” Brian said, according to the Associated Press. “I think the last three days have been some of the most exciting, moving days that I’ve experienced. I don’t think you could dream up a cooler situation. I’m so excited I got to share it with my family. I got to get out on a big league mound.”
Pitcher Brian Moran is making his MLB debut right now for the Marlins.
The 2nd batter he faces in his debut?
HIS BROTHER COLIN!!
Baseball is the best! pic.twitter.com/wp4z4FCJsD
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 6, 2019
A wicked slider
The elder Moran induced a ground ball from Brian Reynolds, setting the stage for the main event.
He fell behind his little bro 3-1 but came back with two sliders to strike him out swinging, the last one a Frisbee at 72 mph.
It was quite a moment for Brian Moran, who started his pro career in 2009, missed the 2014 season with injury and had to spend parts of two other years in independent leagues just to keep his career alive.
“He’s been my inspiration my whole life,” Colin said. “He’s never given up. That’s kind of been the theme of his career. I would’ve given up, probably. A lesser man would have given up with the road he’s had to go through.”
The Moran Brothers make history: 💥
Brian Moran’s 1st #MLB strikeout comes against his younger 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 COLIN!
Tune in to @Marlins ⚾ on FOX Sports Florida 📺l FOX Sports Go.📱 pic.twitter.com/6X3GtqKkkI
— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) September 6, 2019
Moving forward
Who knows whether Brian Moran can stick in the majors for a while or if he’s just a September call-up for a rebuilding team.
But for now, he’ll always have this moment to remember.
“There’s a certain element of it being meant to be,” Brian said. “It’s been everything and more. It’s worth the wait, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
*Very best mom voice* BRIAN, don’t punch out your brother!!
The Moran brothers are the first since 1900 to face each other in an @MLB at bat during a debut.
Brian ended it with his first career strikeout. pic.twitter.com/Ch9nmQcAAI
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 6, 2019
