Q&A

Freshman Erik Parker speaks on His Baseball Journey: Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog

Freshman Georgia baseball player Erik Parker has had quite the interesting journey. Parker attended North Gwinnett High School as a Bulldog, where he committed to play ball at South Carolina before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Instead, Parker committed to Georgia and has been developing as a player at the competitive SEC level. He discussed some key experiences, good and bad, and how he is growing as both a person and player. 

Question: This has been a big season for Georgia baseball, so what have been your biggest personal takeaways so far?

Answer: “I’d probably say just getting to know the guys, the coaches, and just having the opportunity to play with the best of the best in the SEC.”

Question: What have been some key moments this season for you as a player, and what did you learn from that moment?

Answer: “Having that walk off score against FGCU and just an opportunity to be on the field with such a big moment. I’d probably say just slow everything down and the game will come to you, and just be yourself, really.”

Question: Who is a player or coach on this Georgia team that you look up to and try to embody in your performance?

Answer: “I’d probably say Kolby Branch, short stop also. He’s older than me so I really look up to him. Every day KB just tells me to keep going, watch, learn, and just grow.”

Question: Who was the first person that saw your true talent as a ball player, and how has this person shaped your journey?

Answer: “My little league coach. I was like nine. He’s still with me at home today. I see him every so often. [He] helped me mold my game every day, every day I can possibly do.”

Question: Apart from the sport itself, what were some things you learned on your baseball journey that have prepared you for the college level?

Answer: “This game is a game of failure. Failure. So, just succeeding is a good thing, but failing is just a part of the game.”

Question: What do you think the toughest part of this season has been for you so far?

Answer: “Really as a freshman, just not playing as much, but it’s just something that I have to do as a freshman just to learn, just to get used to things. So I’d probably say that’s one of the toughest things, but it’s still fun being out here with the guys. We’re winning, we’re doing good. It’s just fun to see how they do.”

Question: You have been part of this Georgia baseball team for a year now. How has your identity as a player evolved since starting your college career?

Answer: “It transformed a lot. I’m more confident now. I’m stronger”

Question: How has your decision to decommit to South Carolina and decline your offer with the Dodgers paid off since playing at Georgia?

Answer: “I mean, I’m having fun. I enjoy college, you know? College is a fun thing. It’s something my mom and my dad wanted me to do, just to enjoy the college life. Also growing and developing.”

Question: What personal goals do you have for the rest of your career at Georgia?

Answer: “Developing into a player and also a man being here around the coaches and guys.”

Question: Is there a question I did not ask, but a message you would want to send others about yourself as a player or the team as a whole?

Answer: “I’m a very fun guy. I joke around a lot, but I always take the game seriously during the game. Outside of the game I’m just a normal guy, a normal kid. The team are just normal guys. I mean, they’re basically kids also. That’s the thing people don’t see outside of baseball and the field, that we’re all just regular people.”