Gamecock athletics, radio community mourn death of Tommy Moody

Former South Carolina baseball player and beloved radio personality Tommy Moody has died.

Moody was 72 years old. A former two-sport standout and 1969 graduate of A.C. Flora High School, he played for the South Carolina baseball team (1970-72) and has been the color analyst for Gamecock baseball since 2000.

“We mourn the passing of Tommy Moody, a Gamecock great and the baseball analyst on the Gamecock Sports Network,” the USC baseball program posted to X (formerly Twitter). “Tommy bled Garnet and Black and his signature calls were known to Gamecock fans around the world. RIP Tommy.”

Cause of death was not known and funeral arrangements were not available as of early Wednesday. Bill Gunter, the morning radio host on 107.5 FM, called Moody’s death “sudden” and said “more will come out as time goes on.”

“I am devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend Tommy Moody,” fellow radio host Jay Philips posted Tuesday night. “He was an amazing father, grandfather, friend and colleague. His love of Carolina was immense, but his love for his family was so much greater. We love you Tommy. Thank you for gracing our lives.”

Moody is perhaps best known for his friendly personality and his deep knowledge of Gamecock athletics, especially baseball.

“Since 2000, Moody has regaled radio listeners of USC baseball games with his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Gamecocks,” The State wrote in 2008 on an article with the headline: Color commentator Tommy Moody is a walking baseball encyclopedia. “He can do football and basketball, too, but baseball is his passion.”

Moody and Phillips were co-workers at radio station WNKT 107.5 The Game, which also posted about Moody’s passing. He worked with the station for more than 15 years.

“Our hearts are broken. Tommy Moody was an utmost gentleman in every aspect. He treated everyone like a friend and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” WNKT shared on its X page. “His passion for the Gamecocks will never be matched. We love you Tommy and we are going to miss you dearly.”

Moody has served as president of the University of South Carolina Association of Lettermen and chairman of the USC Hall of Fame since 1998. His broadcast career began in 1990.

Moody also has been on various radio shows in the Midlands and is known for his work at 107.5 FM, the flagship station of the Gamecocks. Lately, he has hosted “The Tommy Moody Show,” an hour-long lookback at Gamecock athletics. He also co-hosted a Friday night football call-in show with Justin Hall.

“Moody has an amazing gift of recall, spouting names, dates and scores from years gone by — most involving South Carolina football, basketball and baseball,” The State wrote in 2010, “though he also can, he says, name every Heisman Trophy winner since 1935 — which he exploits for the trivia questions he offers on air.”

A celebration of life for Moody will be held Monday, Oct. 23 at Founders Park beginning at 2 p.m.

Remembering Tommy Moody

USC coaches and others connected with the school past and present weighed in via X on Moody’s passing:

Shane Beamer, USC football coach: “Awful news for #GamecockNation He loved being a #Gamecock …Just saw him at Carolina Calls 3 weeks ago Prayers to his family -Rest In Peace”

USC athletic director Ray Tanner: “A special man and beloved Gamecock. Kind and gracious — he made our days special. RIP my friend.”

Mark Kingston, USC baseball coach: “We lost one of the most genuine, authentic people in our community today. Tommy Moody was always a pleasure to be around. I loved our talks of all things Gamecocks, baseball, and history. They will stay with me for a long time. We will miss you greatly Tommy. Rest in peace.”

USC assistant baseball coach Monte Lee: “RIP Tommy Moody. No one loved Gamecock baseball more than him! You will be missed my friend!”

Former USC baseball coach Chad Holbrook: “Tommy was the best — Loyal, passionate, knowledgeable and he loved his Gamecocks. He treated his friends and family like his most prized possessions. I’m so lucky to have known him and to have been his friend. Thankful for all our conversations over the years. Rest easy Tommy!”

Former USC football coach Will Muschamp: “Tommy Moody was a great man and a great Gamecock!! Tommy you will be missed.”

USC baseball and men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Derek Scott: “Been trying to put into words my feelings for hours. Tommy was the best broadcast partner imaginable. Probably the nicest person I ever knew. Loved his family, the Gamecocks & baseball as much as anyone. Our road-trips were the best. I’ll miss him more than I can explain.”

Former USC baseball play-by-play announcer Andy Demetra: “There was never a bad day with you. Thankful for every room, ride, booth, text, and postgame toast we got to share. And I know you were far prouder of your daughters and grandkids than any title. You spread a light that’ll stay with all of us. Love you partner.”