FORMER MANZANO HIGH SCHOOL STANDOUT DRAFTED BY THE DEFENDING WORLD SERIES CHAMPS
According to ESPN, there were 66 college pitchers selected in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft, the most through 5 rounds in MLB Draft history. Former Manzano High School standout Mitchell Parker was one of the them.
The Washington Nationals selected Parker in the 5th round of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. Parker was the 153rd pick overall.
The left-handed pitcher spent the past two seasons at San Jacinto College. He was 5-0 in six starts his sophomore season at the Junior College in Texas. Parker struck out 64 batters in 30 1/3 innings and posted an ERA of 1.19.
This year’s draft was shortened to just five rounds because of the coronavirus. Parker was also drafted in each of the last two years, the Chicago Cubs chose him in the 28th round in 2018 followed by Tampa Bay in the 27th round the next year. Prior to this year’s draft, Parker announced he committed to play baseball at the University of Kentucky. Parker signed his professional contract on Friday.
“The Manzano Monarchs baseball family is very proud of Mitch for his determination to stay the course and be an example to our players that with hard work and grit you can accomplish goals,” said Manzano baseball coach Tim Campos. “The 3rd time is the charm as Mitchell is the highest drafted Monarch in the history of our program. He is a very humble, hardworking young man that I have no doubt will flourish in the professional environment.”
