Dustin Moseley
Dustin Moseley is a former MLB pitcher and the current owner of Proformance Sports Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. While he now calls Little Rock home, he was born and raised in Texarkana, Arkansas, and has fond memories of his hometown. Dustin attended Union Elementary, was a seasoned Dixie Youth ball player, and graduated from Arkansas High School in 2000. Dustin was a multisport athlete and lead the Arkansas High Baseball team to the State Championship his senior year. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round, 34th pick overall, in the 2000 MLB draft and had a successful 14-year career with parts of seven big league seasons with the Angels, Yankees, and Padres. After an unfortunate shoulder injury officially ended his professional baseball career, he began to build on another dream. He always had a vision for a facility where young athletes could learn the game of baseball and train the right way. After lots of hard work, Proformance Baseball Academy officially opened in February 2014. Dustin has built a successful business over the past 11 years and loves working with young athletes who are embarking on their own high school, colligate, and professional careers.
What is your favorite Texarkana memory?
Playing sports and having all my family and friends support me through all the years!
Where was your favorite place to eat in Texarkana?
El Chico’s on the Arkansas side. They always took care of us even when we were broke high school kids and could only afford the free chips and salsa and a drink!
What was the teen hangout when you lived here?
We used to “Roll the Line!” Haha, just kidding! Cruising State Line Avenue was the thing to do. I only did it once, and my dad found out and said, “I better not catch you out there!” The ballpark at T.A.B.A and the Moore’s Lane youth group!
Where was your favorite place to shop in Texarkana? Any interesting story to tell about that place?
I have way more than one! Topps Shoes, Old Navy, Best Buy, and Champs.
Were you a Hawk, Leopard, Razorback, or Tiger?
Razorback. The sports rivalry was legendary!
How do you describe Texarkana to your friends?
Texarkana is a small town on the border of Texas and Arkansas, low-key and full of great athletes! It’s one of the few places I’ve been where we all love each other and support each other no matter the class or race of the people!
Who is someone from Texarkana who impacted your life?
There is not just one. My dad, mom, mother-in-law Penny Arnold, father-in-law Johnny Arnold, Coach Rodney Koler, Coach Terry Youngblood, Mike Beck, Coach Elgie Richards, and our great friends Amanda and Brian Barr, to name a few. The list could go on forever!
What do you love about Texarkana?
The people!
What would you change about Texarkana?
I wish the Arkansas side had more to offer for the kids!
What do you think makes Texarkana famous?
The name, obviously, and all the great athletes that have come out of T-Town and surrounding areas!
What is your nickname for Texarkana?
T-Town, TK
What do you miss about Texarkana?
All of our friends and family being in one place.
What words do you live by?
If you seek, you shall find… As long as you’re willing to put in the work! Always be a man of your word!
Anything else you would like to share?
Texarkana helped make me the man I am today!
TXK Roots is Texarkana Magazine’s forum to highlight and honor Texarkana natives who have accomplished big things in the world. These folks may have relocated, but they took the values, education, work ethic and creativity instilled in them by growing up in this unique border city and used these qualities to blaze extraordinary trails. We asked them to share their thoughts about growing up here. No matter how far from Texarkana they may find themselves, we will always consider them our neighbors and we are proud to claim them as forever members of our extended Texarkana community. After all, “everyone is famous in their hometown!”
