PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks' popular and beloved drink vendor is battling an unknown illness and had to be hospitalized without medical insurance.
Derrick Moore is known for his trademark saying "Lemonade! Lemonade! Like Grandma Made!" at Chase Field and other sports venues across the Valley. For locals, Moore was just as much a part of the entertainment as the game itself. His popularity showcased in 2015 when he won the award for Top Vendor in Major League Baseball.
Moore's personality also drew the attention of Taylor Swift, after he went viral for selling Skittles on her Red Tour when it came to the Valley. The two met and the story was shared by MLB.
Recently, Moore has fallen seriously ill. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and sports teams not allowing fans, Moore was unable to work and couldn't afford health insurance, wrote his godson on a GoFundMe page.
Last year when stadiums closed, Moore, a father of three, had to take various jobs such as installing cabinets and even working as a caregiver to make ends meet.
"When everything shut down it was different for him. And I know it was tough on him," said Preyer Jr.
Preyer Jr. said Moore's illness is still largely unknown, but he has returned home and the family is hoping for more clarity on his health soon.
"He’s not Derrick, I spoke to him on the phone today and it took some convincing just to remind him who me and his stepson were," said Preyer.
Preyer set up a GoFundMe to help with Moore's medical bills. By Thursday afternoon, the account had raised more than $70,000.
"It shows the impact that Derrick has had on the community and state of Arizona," said Preyer.
