During the MLB draft, Erik Parker knew exactly what he wanted.
The North Gwinnett standout envisioned himself being drafted within the first five rounds of the draft to play professionally. He also had a certain number financially that he wanted to hit.
The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Parker with the 460th selection in the 15th round of the draft. According to MLB.com, Parker ranked as the 183rd overall prospect, which would’ve fallen in the sixth round.
Parker labeled the draft “a cool experience to be a part of.” He declined the offer given by the Dodgers and declined the opportunity to play professional baseball out of high school after discussing with his agent and family. The Georgia baseball signee made the decision to head to Athens instead, similarly to Buford undrafted prospect Nate Taylor.
“It was a family choice and something that was best for me,” Parker said. “I think that having an opportunity to play for three years under (Georgia head coach) Wes Johnson and his coaching staff will make me a better person and player to get my draft stock up. I hope to come out there with a better build, better skill set and more money guaranteed to me.”
Parker joins a Georgia program that finds itself on an upward trajectory. The Bulldogs earned a super regional berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008 under Johnson who enters his second season. While Georgia fell a game short of the College World Series, the Bulldogs added a number of players from the transfer portal and kept a number of its recruits — including Parker and Taylor.
Parker ranked among the top shortstops nationally. While at North Gwinnett, Parker hit for a .367 average with a 1.132 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and 28 stolen bases to break the school record.
“He is one of the best prospects entering college for a couple of different reasons,” North Gwinnett head coach Ryan Moity said. “He has great size and length and a ton of athletic ability. Erik has really good hands and instincts. He can make plays in both directions and he has the ability to take away a ton of hits.
“His athleticism and arm strength are above average, which makes him a very good defender. Offensively, he has a really good understanding of the strike zone and really good bat-to-ball skills.”
Moity couldn’t project where he will end up as a Bulldog, but sees potential for prosperity throughout the next stages of his baseball career.
Parker didn’t get his desired result in the draft, but he expects to meet his objectives in three years when he is eligible again after gaining more experience at Georgia.
His career at North Gwinnett brings that confidence that his dreams will eventually come true.
“It was about me being a leader and being able to play under Moity,” Parker said. He taught me the rights and wrongs, and allowed me to compete at the right school. I played under some great guys (throughout my high school career) and that allowed me to get ready for college and pro ball.”
