Story Links

Jarrett Parker is one of the 16 newcomers to the Virginia baseball team this season. Standing at 6-3 and weighing in at 190 pounds, the freshman from Stafford, Va., is in the mix to start in the outfield for the Cavaliers this year. With the first pitch of the season on Saturday, he sits down to talk about the chance to go to Omaha and shares some of his personal favorites.

Why did you choose to come to the University of Virginia?
Parker:
UVa has one of the best academic programs and on top of that it has one of the best baseball programs in the nation.

What do you see your role being on the team this season?
Parker:
As of now we don’t know too much. I just want to contribute as much as I can to help get to Omaha and win.

What do you think is going to be the biggest strength for the team this season?
Parker:
I think our veteran leadership with guys like David Adams, Jacob Thompson, and Greg Miclat helping out the younger guys.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Parker:
Winning and getting to Omaha for the College World Series.

Do you have any plans to play in any leagues this summer?
Parker:
Yes, I plan on playing in the Great Lakes League with the Delaware Cows.

After batting just .100 with eight strikeouts in the Orange and Blue World Series, do you think that was just adjusting to the college level of play or the product of Virginia pitching?
Parker:
Virginia pitching is definitely one of the top pitching programs in the nation, but I don’t think that was the main factor. I think it was mostly mental. I was trying to do too much and trying to impress people.

What major league player do you think most resembles your playing style?
Parker:
I would have to say Tyler Colvin. He’s an up-and-comer playing in Triple-A, I believe. He was drafted out of Clemson a few years back and I think we play a lot alike.

Who is your favorite player and team?
Parker:
Manny Ramirez has to be my favorite player and my favorite team has to be the New York Yankees.

So how does that combination work?
Parker:
You know, I just can’t help it. Manny is just too great of a player not to enjoy and the Yankees are too great of a team not to enjoy.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
Parker:
My father. He’s always pushed me to do my best and be the best I can.

What is your favorite home cooked meal?
Parker:
It would have to me my mom’s shrimp alfredo, but she cooks everything great.

What are you favorite things to go outside of baseball?
Parker:
I like to just hang out with my friends. My roommate, David Coleman, and I have a great time together and I enjoy hanging out with him.

If you aren’t playing baseball, where do you see yourself in five years?
Parker:
In New York City doing something.

If you could pick one record that stands above the rest which one would it be?
Parker:
The career home run record by far.

What is your most prized autograph?
Parker:
My Alex Rodriguez autograph has to be my favorite.

Who is the best baseball player to ever live?
Parker:
I would have to say Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader, worked hard every day, he’s Charlie Hustle.

When it comes to rivalries in sports, which is the best in your opinion?
Parker:
Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.

Aluminum or Wood Bats?
Parker:
Wood.

What are you favorite sports or shows to watch on TV?
Parker:
For sports, college basketball along with Major League Baseball. For shows I just started watching Family Guy’ and that’s pretty interesting and Seinfeld’ is my all-time favorite.

If you were an animal which one would you be?
Parker:
Lion. The King of the Jungle. (laughs)

Country or Rap?
Parker:
Rap

What is your video game of choice?
Parker:
Call of Duty 4

Wahoos or Cavaliers?
Parker:
Cavaliers

Orange or Blue?
Parker:
Orange

Print Friendly Version