Madison, WI – February 11, 2009. The Mallards newest roster addition, St. John’s junior outfielder Jimmy Parque, comes to Madison with hopes of trying to differentiate himself from two other rather athletic and successful people named “Jim” in his family. The first “Jim,” his father, was a member of the last Terra Nova Central Coast baseball championship team in 1980 and was named the team’s MVP. The other “Jim,” his second-cousin, pitched for the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1998 to 2003 after being selected in the first round of the 1997 supplemental draft from UCLA. The former Bruin enjoyed his best season in the big leagues in 2000, posting a 12-6 record before a torn labrum ended his year.
“My family’s ties to the game of baseball is a cool story to talk about, but I’m set on making a name for myself and seeing how far this great game will take me,” said Jimmy Parque.
The speedy outfielder is a transfer from Skyline Junior College in San Francisco. In 2008 he hit .378 with 16 doubles, 8 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases.
He then played in the Alaskan Baseball League last summer for the Anchorage Bucs and recorded 8 doubles and 21 RBIs in 44 games.
“Playing in Alaska was a great experience in learning how to deal with the ups-and-downs of a minor league-type schedule,” said Parque.
“Outside of baseball there wasn’t all that much to do besides fish, so I’m excited to experience all that Madison has to offer. Though I know that we won’t have much time to sight-see given we’re playing 68 games in two-and-a-half months.”
Parque has heard all about the Northwoods League experience being good friends with former St. John’s outfielder Will Vogl, who also played for the Mallards under Field Manager C.J. Thieleke in 2005.
“Will said Madison was the ultimate place to play summer collegiate baseball and he really enjoyed learning from C.J. and his staff. I know when I get up there I’ll be soaking everything in and trying to learn as much as I can just like he did.”
Thieleke can’t wait to watch Parque play in person after hearing high praise from former coaches and teammates.
“Jimmy comes from a program at St. John’s that is one of the few northern clubs to establish themselves as a legitimate postseason contender year in and year out,” said Thieleke.
“They’re one of the most fundamentally sound programs in the nation and I like to think that our clubs are very alike in that we both do the little things to win baseball games.”
“For being a little guy at 5’9” he has a lot of pop in his bat and let’s not forget that Jimmy was also drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school.”
Did you know? Parque’s high school, Junipero Serra in San Mateo, CA, boasts a rather impressive alumni list–former attendees include Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, and Lynn Swann.
