Ben Moore back with Pheasants

SIOUX FALLS – One of the greatest pitchers ever to don a Sioux Falls uniform is slated to wear Pheasants orange again in 2013.

The Sioux Falls Pheasants acquired starting pitcher Ben Moore from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League in exchange for future considerations, Pheasants manager Steve Shirley announced on Wednesday.

After four straight seasons in Sioux Falls, the Birds traded Moore, 31, to Southern Maryland following the 2011 campaign. In 2012 the right-hander had a 3-2 record with a 3.06 ERA in eight starts with Southern Maryland across two stints that were bookends to a season pitching professionally in Taiwan.

Moore is one of the most decorated hurlers in team history. He earned back-to-back American Association Pitcher of the Year honors in 2010 and 2011 and holds league career records for wins (39) and strikeouts (477). He set single-season league records for strikeouts in 2010 (126) and 2011 (144). In 2011, Moore notched a 13-win season, tied for most in team history, and he matched a team record with 14 strikeouts in one game.  He was a member of the 2008 championship squad and the 2010 runner-up team.

A 10-year veteran, Moore began his pro career by signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Yankees.  He reached the Double-A level before joining the independent ranks in 2005. Moore has a lifetime 73-55 record with a 4.21 ERA and 891 strikeouts. In addition to international play in Taiwan, he has also pitched two seasons in Australia.

Originally from Wisconsin, Moore now resides in Sioux Falls.