Parker Burton '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is Parker Burton. I attend Durand High School in Northern Illinois. I am a 6'2 180 pound right handed pitcher and shortstop. Baseball has been my passion since I could walk. Ever since I was six I have been a leader in every sport I have played. It did not matter if my teammates were older, they still looked up to me. I have taken great pride in this quality. I believe I have this quality not only due to my character but also because of my exceptional skills. I take great pride in my leadership because it's a thing that you can not teach. I have the ability to help my team by the use of constructive criticism and by making them mentally stronger through uplifting words.

Not only do I have great leadership, but I also have an excellent work ethic  I have been going to a strength and conditioning trainer for 4 years and have had a pitching/ hitting coach since the age of 12. An example of my work ethic paying off is when I broke my leg last April. I was in a full leg cast for 3 months after having surgery.  By the time the cast was taken off, the doctor expected me to be back to walking normal and practicing in two and a half months, but I worked hard and came back in just one month. My speedy recovery would not have been possible without the hours of physical therapy and self-motivated extra work that I put in to come back stronger than I was before.

My skill is also a major factor in my play. In my sophomore year I pitched multiple complete games most of them being just one hitters. I also led the team in batting average, on base percentage, runs, and stolen bases. I also led the team in every pitching aspect including a 9-0 record on the year and a 1.42 ERA. My junior year started no different, I was leading the team in most batting and pitching aspects, but sadly with my injury I couldn't complete the season. My senior year will be my best year yet. I will be returning bigger and stronger than before and with the knowledge that I can overcome anything.