Purvis’ Jojo Parker has been named Mr. Baseball of Class 4A.
Parker, who is committed to Mississippi State, currently holds a batting average of .500, has driven in 41 RBIs, hit 15 doubles and 13 home runs, which has helped the Tornados achieve a 27-5 record.
“There is no doubt he has been special this year,” Purvis coach Tony Farlow said. “He’s been pretty solid on the mound for us all year. He’s been solid on shortstop. In that leadoff spot for us, he’s been big all year.”
On the mound, Parker holds a 1.92 ERA, struck out 70 batters and walked 15 in 54.2 innings of work.
“His pitching has (elevated) from last year to this year,” Farlow said. “It makes us a little weaker when we take him off shortstop and put him on the mound, but he has had some really good outings for us. He’s a special player, he and his brother Jacob. I almost feel like they needed co-players.”
The Tornados are one win away from reaching the Class 4A South State championship as they currently lead Stone 1-0 in its current series. The Tornados face Stone on Friday, with first pitch at 7 p.m.
“Him and Jacob are basically our leaders,” Farlow said. “They are the ones that get everyone up and going in the dugout. They have kind of taken charge of the team. That’s been huge for us to have leadership.”
