Eagles' Parker to join Olney Central squad

South Putnam senior Aaron Parker signed up to play baseball at Olney Central College recently. He is joined by (front, from left) his father Ron Parker, Aaron, mother Donna Parker, (back, from left) SPHS baseball coach Zach Love, Olney Central head coach Dennis Conley and South Putnam assistant AD Valerie Rayce. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

South Putnam senior Aaron Parker has spent the last three seasons staring down opposing hitters in Putnam County. On Friday he signed up to continue to do so against college competition.

Parker, a left-handed pitcher who posted 48 strikeouts last year, will throw for the Olney Central College Blue Knights.

The senior said playing college baseball has been a lifelong process.

"I felt like (Olney Central) was the best opportunity for me," Parker said. "It gave me the best chance to continue to get better, have fun and play baseball."

In addition to his pitching prowess, Parker hit .456 last year with 19 RBI.

For the Blue Knights, though, Parker will focus on pitching.

Olney Central head coach Dennis Conley said he believes Parker will only continue to get better.

"He's a guy we had at the top of our list," Conley said. "Being a left-handed pitcher, and his size, that's what attracted us first. His ceiling is very high."