By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

Kade Parker had some decisions to make when it came to his college plans.  The former Hays High Indian and Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year made that decision this week to play baseball at Barton Community College.   Parker turned his senior year into a campaign that made people stand up and take notice both as a pitcher and at the plate.

On the mound, the left handed throwing Parker (4-3, 1 save) held a 0.81 ERA over eight appearances.  Over 43.1 innings pitched he demonstrated masterful control, allowing just 24 hits, striking out 42 and walking just nine.  Parker allowed 14 total runs, five of which were earned.  His 0.81 ERA was fourth best in Hays High history for a single season, while holding opponents to a .158 batting average ranked him seventh on the season. Parker baffled much of the Western Athletic Conference throwing no-hitter against each Dodge City and Garden City.  Then he threw a three-hit shutout versus Great Bend.

Kade Parker

HHS coach Frank Leo

Over the course of his career as a pitcher, Parker appeared in 13 games, compiling a 7-3 with a 0.83 ERA over 72.1 innings pitched.  He allowed just 44 hits, walked 19 and struck out 75 in those appearances.

At the plate Parker hit safely in the first 14 games this season, nine of which were multi-hit games.  Parker batted .400 (26-65) on the season. He struck out just three times in 79 plate appearances.

Parker says the coaches at Barton plan to use him as a starting pitcher.

Parker becomes the second senior off the Indians pitching staff to sign.  Layne Downing inked his letter of intent with Dodge City Community College earlier this year.